16 BISON WILLOW AND JUNIPER If you’re ever driving along Interstate 70 across Ohio, you might take a turn south and find yourself in Cumberland. This is the home of The Wilds — one of the largest conservation centers in the world. Hundreds of animals roam the center’s 10,000 acres, including a large herd of bison. In May, two of them — both yearling females — left for their new home, the Detroit Zoo. The bison, named Willow and Juniper, recently joined the Zoo’s small herd, consisting of 16-year-old male Takoda and 15-year-old female Teetonka. “The yard is large enough for multiple bison, and we think they will enjoy the companionship,” Arbaugh says. “Because the new pair is so young, we expect them to adjust very well. We may consider adding additional bison to the herd in the future.” MINIATURE DONKEYS RAIN AND PEARL Sometimes, the Zoo seeks out new residents for the welfare of current Zoo residents. Such was the case for 29-year-old Knick Knack, the Zoo’s lone miniature donkey. Knick Knack lost her longtime companion, Giovanni, in March 2022. Animal care staff had been keeping a close eye on her since then, and they’d determined she would have a better quality of life in the company of other donkeys. A search for new companions led them to a farm in Akron, Ohio, where Rain and Pearl, two 7-year-old half-sisters, were in need of a new home. In contrast to Knick-Knack, a Sicilian grey donkey, Rain and Pearl are black and white spotted donkeys. Since arriving at the Zoo, the sisters have been slowly getting to know Knick Knack — and things have been going well. “They are much younger, and they’re bit shy,” says Tami Brightrall, associate curator of mammals. “But Knick Knack is ‘Miss Cool.’ She’s excited to show them the ropes, and they’ll learn a lot from her.” And Knick-Knack will have some much-longed-for companionship. Guests can visit them all in the barnyard habitat. WILLOW AND JUNIPER WILL SOON SHARE A HABITAT WITH TEETONKA AND TAKODA (PICTURED). PICTURED ARE RAIN AND PEARL.
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