The Wells Fargo Family Farm at the Minnesota Zoo is preparing for the arrival of six new calves between early April and May, including the calf of experienced mother Aurora, who was five days overdue on 12 April. Farm zoologist Dawn Walker and her team will closely observe the pregnant cows and goats for telltale signs of labor, including appetite reduction, full udders, and increasing restlessness. In addition to monitoring maternal health, staff also balance the diets of pregnant cows, tracking weight gain and feeding forage and roughage according to individual gestation stages.
Introduction:
The Minnesota Zoo is home to various animals, including many farm animals. These farm animals delight visitors and provide valuable insights into mother nature. This article will focus specifically on farm moms and how they exhibit unique maternal behavior.
Cows:
Cows are known to be nurturing mothers. They form strong bonds with their calves and are protective of them. Cow moms teach their young how to graze, communicate with other cows, and stay safe from danger. They will even “babysit” the calves of other cows in the herd.
Pigs:
Pig mothers are very attentive to their piglets. They constantly monitor their babies, cleaning and grooming them to keep them healthy. They also build nests for their young and aggressively defend their offspring if they feel threatened.
Goats:
Goat mothers are known for their independence. They often give birth to twins or triplets and can care for all their babies independently. Goat moms will nurse their kids for 3-4 months and then teach them how to forage for food.
Sheep:
Sheep mothers are gentle and protective. They will defend their young from predators and even fight off other sheep if they feel their lambs are in danger. Sheep moms also have a strong bond with their lambs and will stay close to them to keep them safe.
Conclusion:
Farm moms exhibit unique maternal behavior that is fascinating and heart-warming. The Minnesota Zoo allows visitors to observe these animals and learn more about the complex nature of motherhood. So, next time you visit the zoo, look closely at the farm animals and appreciate the incredible bond between a mother and her young.
