Pueblo Zoo announces birth of baby bison

The Pueblo Zoo announced Friday that its family is growing again with the recent birth of a baby bison.

Cody Junior, or CJ, was born on August 1, 2014. He weighed 72.8 pounds at birth.

The zoo said that at two hours old, it was apparent that CJ’s mother, Laramie, was rejecting the baby. Zookeepers made the decision to hand raise him.

Zookeepers took shifts feeding CJ until he stabilized and would take the bottle. To provide CJ with the nutrient rich milk necessary to build his strength, zookeepers started milking Catniss, one of its Ranch goats that recently gave birth.

The zoo said it delayed announcing CJ’s birth until it was sure his immune system was strong and that he had a good chance of surviving.

Zoo guests will be able to watch feedings every day at noon in the Pioneer Cabin Yard located in the Ranch.