Common name: Dwarf Zebu Cattle
Scientific name: Bos taurus indicus dwarf
Conservation Status: Not Listed - Domestic
At the zoo: Zeus (male, 19y) - he lives with a miniature horse named Pearl and a miniature donkey named Bob in a Mega Mini enclosure at the western end of the zoo.
Habitat:
Zebu Cattle are a domestic breed that can be found in Africa, and Southern Asia.
Diet:
Primarily grass they enjoy stems and plants as well.
Median Life Expectancy:
20 years
Biology:
Zebu cattle are a domesticated breed found primarily in India and Africa, where adaptations to survive in hot and dry environments help them thrive. They have a high resistance to drought and can tolerate extreme temperatures well. When food or water is scarce, they use the fat stored in their hump for energy
Farmers have extensively crossbred them, so they no longer resemble the original or wild variety of bovid. The domestication of animals has been a benefit for humans but has had a profound impact on the planet.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that Zebu Cattle are very resistant to disease and parasites?
