Zoo Buddy: Brahman Calf!

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Meet the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo’s baby Brahman calf, India! They’re a unique breed of cattle.

This breed came from India and eventually was bred with other types of cattle in North America.

“In about 1854, we started to get a few over here. Richard Barrow worked with the British government to help farm cotton and sugarcane, and let them know how to farm it. They gave him two Brahman, and he brought them back to the state, and he fell in love,” says Rami Petterson.

Petterson says they have fat storage in their back hump that will help them go through periods of extremely dry, hot conditions with little access to food.

She says they’re the only animal with four sweat glands, and that helps with the looseness of the skin to regulate heat and to keep pests off their coat.

“They’re impeccable mothers, and a great breed overall. With Brahman, they will treat you as you treat them,” says Petterson.

This species is very intelligent.

Eventually, you’ll be able to see her in the petting zoo!

“They can get close to 1,000 pounds; the females and the males close to a ton,” says General Curator Lisa Taylor.

You can also volunteer with the zoo. Contact the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society through their Facebook page.

The zoo is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can get tickets to feed the budgies, feed the tortoises, ride the boat, or ride the train at the front office. You can reach them at (318) 329-2400

Click here for a breakdown of their prices.