As part of a pioneering rewilding initiative, the animals were brought in to assist with the natural management of the West Blean and Thornden woods near Canterbury.
The staff didn’t anticipate seeing a calf so soon, much less two, but they had a suspicion that one of the younger bison was pregnant.
According to bison ranger Hannah Mackins, the herd occasionally hears us working here and approaches to meet us.
This time, to my complete surprise, one of the girls approached the group from behind and I noticed that she had a small calf underneath.
It was such an honor that she felt comfortable enough to bring her calf up to the orral where she knew we were working.
There are currently four calves, a bull, and three females in the herd.
Paul Whifield, director general of Wildwood Trust, stated that letting the herd develop organically through breeding has always been a component of this effort.
These newborns demonstrate that the animals are flourishing in the regenerating woodlands and exhibiting normal, healthy behaviors.
