Baby Bison Calf Born at Cape May Zoo

Cape May Zoo is welcoming the latest member of its North American Bison herd. The as-yet-unnamed male Bison calf was born on Thursday, Aug 17, to second-time Mom “Beverly” and Dad “Hank”.

Cape May Zoo says this new calf is the ninth member of the zoo’s Bison herd.

"There is always something new and exciting happening at the Cape May County Zoo. I encourage our residents and visitors to come to the Zoo often to keep up with the ever-changing animals, habitats, and events. The new bison calf can be viewed daily in the North American Prairie habitat,” said Commissioner Andrew Bulakowski, liaison to the Parks and Zoo.

Even though this little guy is only about the size of a deer now, adult American Bison grow up to 6 feet, 7 inches in height, and 11 ft 6 inches in length.

Cape May Zoo says, when fully grown, American Bison can weigh from 880 to 2,800 pounds.

The American Bison is one of the two largest surviving terrestrial animals in North America. They are broad and muscular with shaggy long hair coats.

The Smithsonian Institute says Bisons feed primarily on grasses, but will also consume flowering plants, lichens, and woody plant leaves.

Originally, bison were found primarily in the grasslands and prairie of North America. Today, bison distribution is greatly limited due to population decline, and their movements are greatly regulated.