The month of May brought new arrivals to Northwest Trek's famlly of wildlife. Officials at the park near Eatonville reported the births of five bison calves, one elk calf and two bighorn sheep lambs among the free-roam forests and meadows. And the wetlands welcomed three newborn beavers and geese. More elk calves, deer fawns and trumpeter swans are expected soon, officials said May 26. In the meantime, two caribou calves are living behind the scenes until they're big enough to join the rest of the caribou herd in the 435-acre wilds. The baby bison were born with instant starpower: They are among the newly designated National Mammal. President Obama made the status official by signing the National Bison Legacy Act into law in May. The legislation was approved by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in April. The American bison once roamed the Great Plains by the millions but came close to extinction due to hunting and disease. Northwest Trek is a longtime habitat for the massive animals, which grow up to tilt the scales at 2,000 pounds. The 23-animal herd was started in 1971 when six animals from the National Bison Range in Montana were contributed by federal authorities to the then-fledgling wildlife park. "We're extremely pleased to exhibit this iconic animal and allow our visitors to learn more about the history of them,GÇ¥ said Alan Varsik, Northwest Trek's deputy director. The herd is the second-largest among Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoos in the United States, according to zoological curator Marc Heinzman. Northwest Trek has nearly 10 percent of the 254 bison living in U.S. zoos or preserves. The first of the new animal babies that made May a big month for Northwest Trek is a bighorn sheep lamb that arrived at the end of April. New mothers have been birthing their offspring ever since. "We're excited as our wild family continues to grow,GÇ¥ Heinzman said. In the wetlands exhibit, the beaver kits (as babies in the species are called) are growing fast and exploring their environment, officials reported. At birth, kits are small enough to fit in the palm of a human's hand'but they look like miniature adults, with all their fur and their signature tails, Heinzman said. "The kits are like little fuzz balls. They're pretty adorable,GÇ¥ he said. Mothers groom their offspring and help them settle in. As they grow, they'll swim in their pool and start breaking down logs. They follow the lead of their parents, who "show them the ropes for all the things that beavers do,GÇ¥ Heinzman said. When grown, the kits are three to four feet long and weigh more than 40 pounds.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment