A 'honeymoon' for the Murnau-Werdenfels cattle

The two cows are expected to go on their 'honeymoon' in mid-June, during which they will meet the two bulls Romulus and Bergwind at Gut Schwaiganger. The reason for bringing the females and males together is to help Kenia produce offspring naturally - attempts at artificial insemination with her have so far not been successful. Kenia's genetic makeup is so valuable that the zoo has decided to try natural reproduction for her in close cooperation with the Breeders Association.

Wilma has already successfully had artificial insemination. She gave birth to male calf, Theo, at Hellabrunn Zoo in winter 2019. But to ensure that she does not have to spend the summer alone in the Mühlendorf village, she will be allowed to accompany Kenia and also meet a bull.

For the last two weeks, the zookeepers in the Mühlendorf village have been training the two cows to walk into the transport trailer. Wilma completes this manoeuvre without any problems, but Kenia is still a little hesitant. As soon as both animals have become accustomed to the trailer, they can be transported to Gut Schwaiganger. Wilma and Kenia are expected to make the journey to the farm in mid-June. How long the cows will stay there has not yet been determined, it largely depends on how quickly they get used to the new surroundings and the two bulls.

The Murnau-Werdenfels cattle is a robust, heritage breed from Upper Bavaria. Up until the early 20th century, they were a typical three-purpose cattle breed: raised for milk, meat and pulling power. However, the population suffered a dramatic decline in the subsequent decades. Thanks to the conservation efforts of the Murnau-Werdenfels Cattle Breeders Association, the population significantly increased since 2007. Hellabrunn Zoo has been involved in the breeding programme for this endangered breed of domestic animal for many years.