Zebu

Zebu are humped cattle domesticated in South Asia thousands of years ago, and today they are found across Asia, Africa and South America in dozens of regional breeds. The muscular hump over the shoulders is their signature feature, paired with a long hanging dewlap at the throat and loose, drooping ears.

Almost everything about a zebu is built for heat. The loose skin and large dewlap give the body more surface area to shed warmth, the coat is short and sleek, and zebu have more sweat glands than European cattle along with a natural resistance to ticks and other parasites. That combination is why they are the working cattle of choice across much of the tropics, and why zebu bloodlines have been crossed into heat-tolerant breeds worldwide.

We have three zebu at Plumpton Park Zoo, and they are a favorite stop in the barnyard area for younger visitors. Come and meet them. Plan your visit today.