Aurochs

Last week in Springe, Germany, zoologists congratulated themselves over two weak, newly born animals, part aurochs, part American bison.

The present day aurochs is not to be confused with the original aurochs, a wild ox of Europe last seen in 1627 in Poland. After the extinction of the wild ox, the name "aurochs" was applied in common parlance to the European bison. This animal, too, is nearly extinct. During the War, scores died of starvation in Poland, Lithuania, the Caucasus. Only a few bulls are left, fewer cows. One bull survives in the zoological park at Berlin, another at Springe, several on the estate of Viscount Hereford in England.

Two years ago, zoologists imported American bison cows, bred them with aurochs bulls. The hybrid offspring are to be bred in turn with full-blood aurochs, giving three-quarter blood animals. Through successive generations the temporary American bison strain could be practically bred out, its virility merely tiding over the true Europeans. Like American bison, the aurochs has long legs, massive shoulders covered in winter with shaggy dark-brown hair, convex forehead. Both species make fine rugs, steaks.