County of Lehigh, LV Zoo Mourn Loss of 20-year-old Bison

from Lehigh Valley Zoo

The County of Lehigh, in conjunction with Lehigh Valley Zoo, is deeply saddened to announce the passing of a 20-year-old male Bison, Big Boy. Big Boy was born in the Trexler Nature Preserve in May 2004 and served as the leader of his herd for the majority of his life. In his role as patriarch, he fathered over a dozen offspring, some still in the herd and others who have moved on to different herds.

As the name Big Boy suggests, it was not difficult to identify him as he was large in stature and maintained a dominant presence over the rest of the Bison on the preserve. Big Boy was estimated to have reached 2,000 pounds in his formative years.

Members of LV Zoo’s animal care staff note that in his youth, Big Boy was often seen running energetically through the preserve, using his horns to toss aside tree limbs as he roamed. In his later years, he spent much of his time grazing and calmly roaming around the range. Big Boy will be dearly missed by staff and guests who admired him over the years.

In zoological settings, Bison may reach up to 25 years old.

LV Zoo has been entrusted by Lehigh County to provide exceptional care for the elk and bison in the Preserve for more than 20 years. As a part of its steadfast commitment to conservation, LV Zoo manages the size of the bison herd — which has grown to include 14 members — and is active with other conservation partners to help ensure the health and longevity of the herd. Bison are one of the first North American conservation success stories. The species was near extinction in the late 1800s, when they were hunted primarily for their hides but also for their meat and bones. By the end of the 19th century, bison populations were eliminated from over 98 percent of their range in the lower 48 states, resulting in fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining. Today, bison are making a comeback through population management on ranches and tribal lands, as well as protected parks and preserves such as the Trexler Nature Preserve.

LV Zoo is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at lvzoo.org.

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Source: bctv