On Sunday 7 November, keepers arrived at work to find a small surprise on the Bison exhibit, a new-born male calf.

Keepers have aptly named the male calf Minninnewah meaning ‘whirlwind’ in native American and he is living up to this meaning already going out on exhibit the very same day he was born, to the delight of visitors. 

At just over two weeks of age Minninnewah is keeping the herd on their toes.

He is definitely a confident and very brave little calf, never shy and always very inquisitive, coming down to the front of the exhibit or introducing himself to the large male Bison of the herd.

Experienced mother, Shashone, is nurturing her calf well and allowing him to explore the exhibit whilst keeping an eye on his movements.  This is her fourth calf in as many years and both mother and calf are doing well.

At the moment Minninnewah looks similar to a domestic calf, but as he develops he will end up at a similar size to his father, Cherokee-Bob weighing around 1500kgs.