Musk ox

Ovibos moschatus

Despite its ox-like appearance and name, the musk ox is a relative of goats and sheep. It is very well adapted to cold and severe conditions. It has a thick and long winter coat that offers excellent protection against freezing weather and cold winds. Not surprisingly, musk oxen were much more widespread during the Ice Age.

Musk oxen live in small herds. The strongest bulls defend the weaker members by forming a ring around them, with their horns facing out towards the threat. This wall of musk oxen offers effective protection even against wolves. For humans and firearms, however, the stationary musk oxen are an easy target. The species almost became extinct due to hunting, but thanks to conservation, the musk oxen is currently doing quite well.

Conservation

The species almost became extinct due to hunting, but thanks to conservation, the musk oxen is currently doing quite well.

The species and the individuals living in Korkeasaari Zoo are part of an ex-situ conservation programme by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria EAZA, known as the EEP. The aim of the EEP is to maintain a healthy zoo population of the species.

EAZA Ex-situ Programme