Bison calf by Donovan Wright
Our new calf and bison breeding
This September, we welcomed a baby calf to the herd
Our Bison Rangers were surprised to be greeted by a calf when carrying out checks on a herd of bison in West Blean and Thornden Woods.
Tom Gibbs and Donovan Wright have been keeping a watchful eye over three female bison since July after they were released into the ancient woodland to re-shape the landscape as part of a Wilder Blean project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did you know that one of the female bison was pregnant?
It is very difficult to identify when a bison is ‘in calf’; their body shape does not change significantly nor does their behaviour.
The only way to be certain a bison would not be pregnant would be by way of a scan. As these bison are treated at wild animals, our approach is as hands-off as possible and therefore the bison had not been scanned before their arrival at the Blean.
Was it safe for the pregnant bison to travel to the Blean?
It is common for pregnant bison to travel without any impact to their welfare.
The welfare of the bison when in transport was an absolute priority and every unnecessary stress was removed from their environment. They had space to lay down and move and access to ample food and water. The transportation trailer was equipped with air conditioning and the animals were monitored consistently throughout the journey.
When the bison arrived at West Blean and Thornden Woods, they were calm and settled into their new environment quickly. This was a sign that the transport process did not put them under significant stress.
We are hoping that our bison herd will grow with time
The bison that have been introduced for the Wilder Blean project are part of an international conservation programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you expecting the bison to breed when the bull arrives?
The bison in Kent have been specially selected to offer the most varied bloodline for breeding, helping protect bison populations into the future. Once settled, we expect that we will have our first calves in 2023 - an amazing sign that they are thriving in their new environment!
How big do you expect the herd to get at Blean woods?
The bison will eventually have access to a 200 hectare-plus area which can support up to 20 animals. Bison usually have one calf per year and with the younger females not yet at sexual maturity, we don't expect to reach this number for some time.
What happens if the number of bison gets too high?
Bison are an endangered species and all bison births will be registered with national breeding programmes and the European Endangered Species Programme, so they can be available for other projects across the UK and Europe.
How are you ensuring the bison stay happy and healthy?
The welfare of the bison and other grazing animals is paramount. The bison were all checked on arrival including TB testing. Two animals have tracking collars which allow us to follow their movements around the woods. Our bison rangers are on site daily.
Can't find the answer to your question?
If you have a question about European bison and can't find the answer, please get in touch. You can also keep an eye out on our social media where we regularly post our expert Q&As.
