Z is for Zebu at Zoo Basel
April 27, 2014
A shy Dwarf Zebu calf born on April 14 at Switzerland’s Zoo Basel is becoming more spirited as it grows.
The male calf is the second for the mother, five-year-old Conny. Zoo officials were especially pleased with the smooth delivery of this calf, because Conny had already delivered one calf by Cesarean section and had miscarried another calf.
Zoo officials say the Dwarf Zebu calf was so shy that he hid behind his mother’s legs most of the time. But curiosity has gotten the better of the calf, and he has started approaching the other cows, looking for milk.
When the calf approaches the bull, he is immediately chased away and runs to his mother. But during his photo session, the calf was not at all shy about checking out the photographer.
Dwarf Zebu are one of more than 700 domestic cattle breeds worldwide. They have a large hump on their shoulders, a droopy dewlap, and large ears. Because they are tolerant of hot, humid conditions, Zebu are widely used in tropical countries to pull heavy loads and for their milk and meat. Zebu originated in Southeast Asia.