„When the female separates from the herd and hides in the forest, we eagerly await when she will appear with her calf,“ says Eugenijus Družas, the bison keeper at VMU Pašiliai bison reserve.
The birth of the bison calf is awaited with excitement
The pregnancy of the bison cow lasts about nine months, but from her appearance it is not always possible to notice that a calf will be born soon. Most bison calves are born in May–June. Before giving birth, the cow usually separates from the herd and withdraws into the forest.
In the first weeks, the mother protects the calf very carefully, so the most important thing for the bison reserve staff is to observe the animals and provide them with peace. At that time, the calves mostly stay close to their mother and only gradually begin to explore the surroundings.
At about three weeks old, the calves already start tasting grass, and at two months they begin to nibble on twigs and shoots. They can feed on their mother’s milk for up to a year.
This year’s calves already have their own company
Since both calves born this year came into the world just a few days apart, they spend more time together. According to E. Družas, the calves stay close to each other and play together.
So far, both are still shy, so their characters are just beginning to emerge. However, they are gradually getting used to the daily life of the bison reserve. When they hear a familiar sound – feed being carried in buckets – they come running with the herd to see what awaits.
Currently, there are 15 bisons living in the Pašiliai bison reserve, and the two youngest members of the herd are still waiting for their names.
Children will choose names for the bison calves
According to E. Družas, children from various educational institutions will participate in the celebration – they will be the ones to suggest names for the little bisons. The names of bisons born in Lithuania must start with the letters “Gi.” This is an international rule that helps trace the origin of bisons – even if the animal is taken to another country, its name reveals where it came from. Moreover, names cannot be repeated. Currently, the Pašiliai bison reserve is home to Gira, Gipota, Gipokis, Gipordas, Gilius, Girna, Girnis, Gilminas, Gibradimas, Gitis, Gintas, Gigantas, and last year’s born Giesmė.
Read more President on the storm’s consequences: the damage compensation procedure needs to be clarified
The regional branch manager Giedrius Branuša says that the bison calf naming celebration is important not only for the tradition of choosing names but also for giving children the opportunity to get closer to these animals. Therefore, every year efforts are made to prepare not only a memorable meeting with the bisons for the young participants but also fun surprises.
In 2025, the bison named Giesmė was named by Dovydas, a student of class 2b at Panevėžys “Viltis” progymnasium. Hearing that his suggested name was chosen, the boy did not hide his joy. Dovydas received not only a symbolic gift but also a certificate confirming the name – a beautiful reminder of his contribution to the little bison’s story.
This year, according to G. Branuša, the tradition will also be followed – children whose suggested names are chosen will receive prizes, fun surprises, and certificates confirming their contribution to the bison calves’ story. And to keep the good mood at the celebration, the little ones will be entertained by the animator Pepė Ilgakojinė.
New residents of the bison reserve are part of a long-standing story
The Pašiliai bison reserve was established in 1969, and the first bison calf born here came into the world in 1971. The bison cow Moda gave birth to a calf named Girinis.
Over more than five decades, the reserve has become a place where the welfare and conservation of these impressive animals are cared for. Therefore, every new bison calf is not only joyful news for the VMU Pašiliai bison reserve staff but also a responsibility to care for its health and well-being.
While the new residents grow and strengthen, visitors can already see them live. Those wishing to visit the calves are invited to stop by the Pašiliai bison reserve.
Soon we will share more information about the upcoming bison calf naming celebration – follow VMU news.
Read more The highest mountain in the world – not Everest? A much bigger giant is somewhere else entirely
