Calf Born at Cosley Zoo

An Angus bull calf was born at Cosley Zoo Monday, Jun. 13. He weighed in at 74.2 lbs. Mom, Ember, is a first timer but feeling great. The calf is all black (almost all Angus cattle are black).

The baby calf is the 8th baby born this spring. Other new babies include 3 sheep and 4 goats. During births at the zoo, the staff watches to be sure that the baby presents in the correct position, the birth does not take overly long, the baby is not in distress and the mother begins to take care of the baby immediately after birth.  A careful eye is kept on the baby to be sure that it begins to nurse within one hour of birth.  If for some reason they have difficulty, zoo staff will then step in to gently encourage nursing by the baby. 

All in all, a good strong baby does great on its own without much interference.