Four calves in one week mark a fitting finale for Monarto-born breeding bull Colin, who has fathered 17 calves since 2024.
It’s a fitting way to finish an impressive career for one of Monarto Safari Park’s biggest dads, with four American Bison calves born in the past week – the final calves sired by breeding bull Colin.
The 12-year-old bull, who was himself born at Monarto Safari Park, has officially retired from his role as the herd’s breeding male after fathering an impressive 17 calves since taking up the job in 2024.
Ungulates Supervisor Haidee Kinter said the latest arrivals were a special way to mark the end of Colin’s breeding chapter.
“Colin has done an incredible job for the herd and to welcome three of his final calves in just one week feels like a pretty special way for him to sign off,” Haidee said.
“He’s fathered 17 calves since 2024, which is an amazing contribution in a relatively short period of time, and he has certainly earned a slightly quieter pace of life.
“Colin was born right here at Monarto Safari Park, so to see him grow up and go on to contribute so strongly to the next generation of our herd is something the team is really proud of.”
American Bison (Bison bison) are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Once numbering in the tens of millions across North America, the species was pushed close to extinction during the 19th century through commercial hunting, habitat loss and disease. Populations have since recovered through extensive conservation efforts, although protecting genetically diverse and sustainable populations remains important.
The species also holds a special place in Monarto Safari Park’s history, with American Bison the first animals to arrive at the park in 1983.
“Bison have been part of Monarto Safari Park from the very beginning, so every new calf adds another chapter to what is a really special history here,” Haidee said.
“The calves are doing really well and it’s always fantastic to see those little reddish-brown youngsters finding their feet alongside these enormous adults.
“And while Colin might be retiring from breeding duties, he’s still very much Colin – you won’t have too much trouble picking him out as one of the biggest bison in the paddock.”
The four bison calves are not the only new hooves keeping Monarto Safari Park’s ungulates team busy.
A Plains Zebra foal born last month has joined two other youngsters in the Chobe habitat in Wild Africa, while the team has also welcomed two Waterbuck calves.
There is also significant news for one of the world’s rarest antelope species, with another three Critically Endangered Addax calves born since the park’s last update, bringing the recent total to six.
Haidee said each arrival was a rewarding moment for the team, particularly when it came to species facing an uncertain future in the wild.
“It has certainly been a busy period for the team, and seeing so many young animals doing well across the park is incredibly rewarding,” she said.
“Every birth gives us the opportunity to learn more about these species and maintain healthy, sustainable populations under human care.
“For species like the Addax, which is Critically Endangered in the wild, those births carry even greater significance. To now have six new calves is something the whole team can be incredibly proud of.”
