European bison
Europe's largest wild land animal. By 1927 not a single one was left in the wild. The species was rebuilt from a few dozen animals kept in zoos.
- Weight
- up to 900 kg
- Temperament
- wary, sticks with the herd
Residents
Who lives behind the gates
We care for breeds that people once came close to losing, and for those that show just how different bulls can be.
Highland
A thick double coat and a long fringe over the eyes. Shrugs off wind, snow and poor hill pasture.
- Weight
- up to 800 kg
- Temperament
- calm, curious
Ankole-Watusi
Carries the biggest horns of any cattle. Blood vessels run through the horns, and in the heat they work like a radiator.
- Horn span
- up to 2.4 m
- Temperament
- peaceful
Zebu
Known by the hump over its shoulders and the loose skin at its neck. One of the most heat-tolerant breeds in the world, and a familiar sight across northern Australia.
- Weight
- up to 700 kg
- Temperament
- hardy, patient
Ukrainian Grey
An ancient steppe breed close to the wild aurochs. Tall and pale, with lyre-shaped horns. Very few are left today.
- Weight
- up to 1,000 kg
- Temperament
- independent
Yak
A high-altitude native, with hair down to the ground and big lungs and heart. Copes with cold far better than heat.
- Weight
- up to 1,000 kg
- Temperament
- self-reliant
Behaviour
How the herd lives
A bull looks fearsome, but most of its day goes on grazing, resting and keeping an eye on its mates. Here's what to know before you visit.
≈330°field of view
Eyes on the sides of the head give almost all-round vision. The only blind spot is directly behind, so never approach a bull from the rear.
0love for red
Bulls can barely tell red apart. In a bullfight it's the cape's movement that sets them off, not its colour.
6–8 hchewing a day
Chewing the cud takes up a third of the day. A bull lying down and chewing is a relaxed bull.
1leader
The herd has a strict pecking order, with everyone's place at the water and on the pasture. Newcomers get tested but are soon accepted.
2+best mates
Cattle have "best friends". With a favourite companion nearby they're noticeably less stressed.
10 msafe distance
A lowered head, pawing at the ground or standing side-on is a warning. Back away calmly, with no sudden moves.