Aurochs

The Aurochs (Bos primigenius) is a wild cattle species, considered to be the wild ancestor of modern domestic cattle. It went extinct in 1627 but was brought back to life via cloning and temporal dislocation technologies by the Greene Foundation in the late 2000's.

Description

The aurochs is a large wild bovine, growing to be around the size of the European bison, about 61–71 inches tall in males and 53–61 inches tall in females. Because of the massive horns, the frontal bones of aurochs are elongated and broad. The horns of the aurochs are characteristic in size, curvature, and orientation. They are curved in three directions: upwards and outwards at the base, then swinging forwards and inwards, then inwards and upwards. Aurochs horns can reach 31 inches in length and between 3.9 and 7.9 inches in diameter. The horns of bulls are larger, with the curvature more strongly expressed than in cows. The horns grow from the skull at a 60° angle to the muzzle, facing forwards.

Ecology

Like many bovids, aurochs form herds for at least a part of the year. These herds do not number much more than twenty. The social status in aurochs is gained through displays and fights, in which cows engage as well as bulls. when fighting, Aurochs bulls are known to inflict severe injury on or even kill their rivals, especially during the mating season, which takes place during the late summer or early autumn. Calves are born in spring. The calf stays by it's mother's side until it reaches two or three years old and it is strong enough to leave the herd to live on its own. Aurochs are vulnerable to wolves, bears, and big cats.

Conservation

Aurochs are publicly displayed at many zoos across North America and Europe, including the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, The Wilds, Bronx Zoo and others