Monarto Safari Park welcomes three bison calves

Monarto Safari Park  has welcomed three American Bison calves - born within two days of one another last week to four-year-old Moneypenny, four-year-old Rose and three-year-old Erika.

Tens of millions of American Bison once dominated the grassy plains of North America, however during the 19th-century commercial hunting, habitat loss, and bovine diseases drastically reduced their numbers, almost to the point of extinction.

The American Bison population has today partially recovered but is still classified as near threatened with only 15,000 individuals remaining in the wild.

Keeper Tash Walker said the calves were the last descendants of breeding male Derek, who passed away earlier this year.

Walker advised “Derek was loved by all of us and it was very sad when he left, so it was a nice surprise to have three little descendants join the herd last week.

“In the near future, we will have a new male join the herd, who will bring vital genetics so we can continue the breeding and conservation of this amazing species that are near threatened in the wild.

“The calves are extremely cute and have formed a little crèche and they love playing all together. Moneypenny, Rose and Erika have been mums before so they are smashing it and doing a great job.”

Characterised by their long, shaggy brown coats, the herd spends the majority of their days grazing in their fifteen-hectare habitat.

Typically a calm species, at times they can become very excited, rolling around vigorously in the dirt, jumping around on all fours, or rubbing their large heads against tree stumps or logs.

To find out more, please visit monartosafari.com.au.