The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is happy to announce the recent births of two bison calves: a male calf born to Leotie, 5, on May 31 and a female born to Lucy, 5, on June 6. Ron, 14, is the sire of both calves. For a few weeks beginning June 16, guests can see the calves and the rest of the herd on Saturdays and Sundays only while their outdoor habitat at Great Bear Wilderness undergoes routine maintenance. Once the project is complete, the entire herd will be viewable on exhibit daily. The public can check the zoo's website at www.CZS.org for updates on the renovation completion date.

The male is Leotie's second calf. In 2012, she gave birth to a female named Hope, who still resides at the zoo. Prior to Hope's birth, there had not been any calves of this species born at Brookfield Zoo since the early 1970s. The seventh member of the bison herd is Judy, 14.

Bison are the symbol of the Chicago Zoological Society because they are one of the first North American conservation success stories.