This month, we celebrated the joyous anniversary of Nutmeg’s birth. Nutmeg completed his fifth trip around the sun on February 10.
Nutmeg and his bovine companions arrived at the sanctuary in the fall of 2018 and have been inhabiting the spacious pasture ever since. Even though he weighs well over one-thousand pounds, this tawny giant is still a mama’s boy. Despite his attachment to his mother, Betsy, we’ve enjoyed watching him grow more independent, hardy, and adventurous over the past 15 months. He still likes to hang with the herd, but he’s been exploring the sanctuary’s farmland and learning to love the outdoors with the support of his bovine companions. He’s also slimmed down quite a bit, and now sports a thick winter coat that has proven quite handy in recent months.
Normally, the cattle graze and browse the surrounding landscape during the warmer seasons and then receive supplementary hay and alfalfa during the winter. We pay close attention to their conditions so they can maintain a healthy weight. Last week, to celebrate Nutmeg’s birthday, we gave the cattle a few scoops of something special. The birthday mix was a rare treat that contained alfalfa, beets, oats and minerals. Nutmeg practically inhaled his portion before slurping the last few handfuls of grain directly off the tailgate. He’s quite the food connoisseur and he seemed to appreciate the special event.
In addition to keeping the sanctuary protected from fires by removing fuel from the landscape, these quirky creatures are a charming addition to the CSNW family. We couldn’t be happier to provide a peaceful home for Betsy, Honey, Meredith and Nutmeg. As I mentioned in the video, Nutmeg and the cows are looking for Bovine Buddy sponsorships that help us to maintain a safe and enriching environment for chimps and cattle, so please visit this page if you are interested in contributing to their care.
Also, please enjoy the included photos of this handsome dude.
Happy birthday, Nutmeg!
What a beast that boi is!
Was there something mixed in with the alfalfa-they deemed to be digging for something…
Also, do you worry about predators in the winter, even with his size?
As far as I know, they tend to root through the alfalfa mix for the bits that they like the best.
As for the predators, there are a few wild carnivores in the Pacific Northwest that could bring down a calf but would have a hard time with an adult steer or cow. We have seen evidence of mountain lions on the property and there are actually a couple of nearby wolf packs that could feasibly visit our area. We’re not too concerned with either of these species, though, as they mostly prey on deer and elk and tend to avoid healthy, fully-grown cattle. In addition to their individual size, herds of cattle can use cooperation to form a cohesive defensive front against any potential threats.
Without a doubt, the most voracious predators of domestic cattle are humans. 🙁
Do the cattle have some type of shelter where they can go to stay warm and out of the elements?
Hi Susan! Yes, the cattle have a couple of covered barns that block the wind and rain. In the summer, they provide additional shade. We also line these areas with straw so they can be insulated at night! Otherwise, they keep themselves warm and don’t seem to mind the weather all that much. They often choose to sleep under the pines on warm summer nights.
Love, love, love the bovines and seeing their stories as well as the chimps… Adorable dude.. great pics and post! Thank you 🙂
Thank you, Judy!
Happy Birthday Nutmeg! I am so happy to see this video. I have been meaning to ask if you had a little celebration for Nutmeg since I saw his birthday mentioned on your annual calendar. Nutmeg is so gorgeous. He’s so lucky to be at the sanctuary with his family, such a beautiful place to call home.
Thanks, Kathleen!
I’ve always felt that cattle have such sweet & innocent looking faces, & Nutmeg, Betsy, & friends, are sure no exception…I particularly love the last photo of Mr. Nutmeg & those cute ears…He sure is a big boy, but I imagine he still has LOTS & LOTS of growing to do… : )
Thank you for caring about the cattle, Debi!
Nutmeg is COOL ?
I LOVE this video!
He certainly is!
I love what your doing for all the precious animals in your care. I raised a calf after her mama died after giving birth and learned how amazing and loving bovine are. They are quite emotional and very family oriented. Thank you so much for the love and care you are all giving. You’re all going to heaven.
Thanks, Jeanie! Those are some very kind words and we appreciate your support!
Thanks for this lovely video of Nutmeg. He is so beautiful.