Originating from southern Ireland in the early 1800s, the Dexter cow can also be found living and thriving in the United States. Smaller yet mighty, these cattle were imported to North America around 1910 and serve several purposes in farming communities!
While visiting the Bob Evans Farms My Barn in the North American region of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, guests are able to get up close to the Dexter cows in our care, including Luna, Anna, and Belle. These ladies serve as awareness ambassadors for heritage breeds and their role in farms, particularly smaller ones.
And…there’s great news: The Zoo’s Dexter herd has recently grown!
Meet Russet!
Russet’s name was chosen by Zoo donor Krista Hyme to commemorate his birthday…Thanksgiving Day! As a first-time parent, his mother Luna is healthy, nursing Russet successfully, and learning the ropes of motherhood with the Animal Care and Animal Health teams cheering her on. Both Russet and his mother will be resting and staying warm inside the Bob Evan’s “My Barn” during chilly Ohio nights.
“Russet is doing great and incorporating well into our cow herd,” states Josh Keller, Headkeeper of the Zoo’s North America Region. “He spends his days playing in the habitat or lounging in straw piles, and his ’Aunties’, Belle and Anna, love having him around and show him just as much care as his mother, Luna, does. We’re excited with how well he is doing and can’t wait to watch him grow!”
Standing 40 inches tall and weighing 700 to 900 pounds, Dexter cattle are some of the smallest cattle in the world. They’re known for being hardy, forage‑efficient cattle with excellent maternal qualities. With increasing numbers in North America and globally, the breed seems destined to succeed.
Guests to the Columbus Zoo can visit the Dexter cows, including Russet, along with other farm animals, in the North America region year-round, including during events like Wildlights.
