Cornwall Park establishing protected areas for new-born lambs and calves

Auckland, 07 July 2016 - Planning has begun for the arrival of new lambs and calves at Cornwall Park over the next 10–12 weeks, with the introduction of special protected calving and lambing areas between July 17 and September 10.

The arrival of the new-born animals is a favourite attraction for park visitors, but sometimes the little ones can be too cute for their own good, says Peter Maxwell, the park’s Farmer Manager.

People coming too close, sudden loud noises, small children squealing with excitement or dogs hovering nearby can trigger a tragic outcome. For a new lamb any shock can result in death soon after it is born.

“Lambs pushed away from their mums fail to make a proper bond,” Peter says. “The mother sheep is looking for an instant bond after birth, and if this is interrupted for any reason then she will walk away. The lamb is effectively orphaned, and can die quickly. If we can get to it in time, it will have to be hand-raised, which is very time consuming and not in the best interest of the young animal”.

Peter warns that the public should also be wary of cows with calves who can react badly and potentially even attack humans or dogs if frightened for their young.

To protect both the public and the new-born animals park staff are going to extra effort to reduce risks and make sure visitors understand how their presence can affect them.

A section of the Eastern end of the park adjoining Maungakiekie Avenue and Campbell Road will have temporary restrictions applying over the lambing and calving season. The entire park has always been an on-leash area for dogs, but fields in this protected area will be out-of-bounds completely up to the 10th of September.

Maps have been posted at the park showing the protected areas along with signs on park gates.

Peter says the park staff will be grateful to visitors for their cooperation during his time. For the best view of the baby animals people should head for the Belvedere Steps, just south of the café.

“One of the special things about Cornwall Park is that large parts of it remain a working farm right in the heart of the country’s largest city. This is part of its heritage that everyone values, and we want to make sure the public can enjoy access to a farm experience while still keeping people safe and protecting the welfare of these young animals,” Peter says.

ENDS

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