The Philadelphia Zoo just got a little bigger.
In a new exhibit about the African Plains, the zoo now has three Ankole, which are known as the “Cattle of Kings.” Ankole are known for massive crescent or lyre-shaped horns, measuring up to 8-feet wide, that continue to grow as the animals age, eventually weighing up to 15 lbs. each.
Gentle in nature and massive in size, Ankole can weigh between 1,200 and 1,600 lbs., making them an incredible sight to see and fans will have a chance to name the new animals.
“We are thrilled to bring this striking breed to the Zoo for the first time in our 163-year history,” said Michael Stern, the Zoo’s Andrew J. Baker Curator of Primates & Small Mammals and Acting Curator of Carnivores & Ungulates. “We are certain they will enhance our visitor’s experience while highlighting the conservation work the Zoo supports in Uganda. There, through work with the New Nature Foundation, the Zoo empowers people to live in greater harmony with nature, and our new Ankole cattle will help to share that important story.”
As a way to celebrate the Ankole, the zoo is wants help in naming the massive animals. Selecting from a list of names developed by zookeepers, and in line with the traditions of Uganda’s Banyankole people (originators of the Ankole breed), the suggested names are based on the color of the cattle’s hair or on its personality. Staff from the Zoo have narrowed down their choices and fans can visit philadelphiazoo.org/name-our-ankole-cattle. The winning names will be announced May 16.
Fans can choose one name from each pairing below:
- Ngabu — (Nn-gah-boo) – Means speckled white and brown cattle
- Yamaani – (Yah-mah-nee) – Means Energetic
- Gaaju — (Gah-joo) – Means dark brown cattle
- Kuburanganiza — (Koo-boo-ran-gah-nee-zah) – Means Curious
- Mbaale (Mm-bah-lay) – Means reddish brown cattle
- Kutekaana (Koo-tay-kah-nah) – Means calm
Native to East Africa, Ankole are descendants of an ancient breed of cattle that lived in the Nile Valley around 4000 BC. Traditionally considered sacred, Ankole supplied milk. As domesticated cattle, Ankole are not threatened, thanks to the dedicated efforts of breeders and zoos, but their cousins in the wild can be at the interface of human-wildlife interactions.
