Wild bison born in Britain for first time in 6,000 YEARS
A baby bison has been born in the wild in the UK for the first time in more than 6,000 years.
Frolicking and gambolling in the forest, the female calf appears full of joy – quite unaware of her place in history.
The new arrival came just three months after bison were reintroduced to the woods as part of a rewilding project to woodland near Canterbury.
The birth was spotted by bison rangers carrying out checks in West Blean and Thornden Woods.
Bison roamed the UK until around 6,000 years ago, but it is thought they were hunted to extinction.
They were reintroduced in the woods to help nature thrive – but the new arrival was something of a surprise.
Forest rangers Tom Gibbs and Donovan Wright spotted the birth on September 9.
It had been unexpected as bison do not display obvious signs of pregnancy.
Mr Gibbs said: 'It is difficult to detect pregnancy in bison as they naturally conceal being in calf to avoid being hunted by predators, it is a survival mechanism.
'Though it was a surprise to see that the younger female bison had given birth, it was always a possibility, and we have created a care plan for the calf to ensure her needs are met.
'These animals are wild, so we want to remain as hands-off as possible, but their welfare is at the absolute heart of what we do.
'She is being observed by experts and we are constantly monitoring the whole herd to ensure their wellbeing.'
The baby bison's birth was not announced at the time as Britain had entered a period of mourning following the death of Her Majesty the Queen, the previous day on Thursday September 8.