 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Domestic Zebu
Bos taurus indicus
IUCN Status: Not applicable.
Size: Height; 115cm.
Habitat and Distribution: These are domestic animals and not found in the wild but live in conjunction with humans throughout, East Africa, India and South-east Asia, Thailand.
Age: 10 years
Groups and Breeding: Females breed at around 18 months, giving birth to a single calf after a 290 day gestation. Calves can walk and suckle within minutes of birth.
Diet: This is an herbivorous animal with the majority of plants eaten being grass-like.
- The Zebu is one of the world’s most common domesticated species. It is thought that there is a population of about 40 million animals worldwide.
- There are actually 75 different breeds of zebu.
- Zebu are sacred in India and considered to represent abundance and the sanctity of life. In parts of Africa, they are believed to give strength to the tribesmen that drink their blood.
- Zebu recently made the news when it was discovered that steaks offered in British restaurants were often part Zebu!
- These animals are well adapted to topical climates.
- Both male and female Zebu have horns.
Want to Help?
A visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park can now be even more worthwhile. By adopting an animal, you can provide a helpful contribution towards the costs of keeping and feeding the animals and supporting our conservation breeding programmes... click here for more information