New Arrivals at Genesee

This year there has been a lot of interest in our bison herds, especially the original herd at Genesee Park. An article appeared in the March issue of Colorado Serenity, and the Denver Post discussed our breeding program on March 21^st.

Today we met with Ginger Delgado, of Fox 31, for an on-scene photo shoot of bison babies (we call them calves) at Genesee Park. Marty Homola, bison caretaker at Genesee Park for the last 40 years, was on hand for the interview.

The herd was feisty, thanks to weather changes in the offing and thunder rolling overhead, and the calves got a workout, running in front of the herd.

Because the herd was so active and unsettled, we managed to get some good shots of them running, even in a full gallop at times. Bison can do 35 miles per hour when they want to! Newborn calves almost "hit the ground running"; they are able to keep up within a few hours of birth, an important trait in herd animals that are frequently on the move.

We also got some good closeups, especially after hay was brought to settle their mood a bit. Who can't help being mellow when there's something good to eat at hand?

Update 6/3/11: See Fox 31 Denver for video and story... Thanks, Fox 31!

As of this date (5/23), there are 18 calves at Genesee, with a few more expected. The Daniels Herd has produced 11 calves so far this year. The calves are frisky, and a couple chased each other around the pond a few times for good measure.

And what could be cuter than these little red 50-lb bundles of joy? They considered munching the hay, but most decided it made for really comfy bedding instead. It will be a few months before they get as interested in hay or grass as they are in mom.

More photos follow. All photos here are by Sally White or Matt Brown.