The male calf is watched by its mother, Darla. (Courtesy of Cape May County Zoo)
A male Ankole-Watusi calf was born at the Cape May County Zoo on Nov. 6 to mom, Darla, and dad, Howie.
This is Darla’s second calf. Her first calf, born last year, is a female named Pumpkin.
“We are excited to announce the birth of a Watusi calf to the herd and welcome the new addition to the growing zoo family,” said Cape May County Commissioner Andrew Bulakowski, liaison to the Parks and Zoo.
Bulakowski noted that the calf does not have a name yet, but the zoo staff is planning a naming contest that will be announced shortly.
Watusi cattle are a domestic breed originating in Africa. They were imported to the U.S. from Europe in the 1900s for their striking appearance.
Their horns can reach 4-6 feet in length and are used to help keep them cool. These cattle are incredibly hardy, easily tolerating temperatures from 20 to 120 degrees.
The calf is on exhibit daily with the Watusi herd and can be seen following mom around and nursing. The entire herd can be viewed year-round from the Savanna boardwalk.
The Cape May County Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., every day except for Christmas. The parks are open daily from 7 a.m. until dusk. For more information, visit cmcZoo.org.
A naming contest will be announced by the zoo for the calf. (Courtesy of Cape May County Zoo)
