Marshfield (OnFocus) – Wildwood Zoo is home to a small American Elk herd, including mature bull elk “Lincoln,” who was born June 1, 2011 and joined the zoo’s herd in 2013. Visitors to Wildwood’s drive-thru this week have witnessed Lincoln as he sheds the velvet on his giant antlers.
During the summer, higher levels of the male hormone testosterone slows antler growth and the veins and arteries around the velvet constrict and cut off the blood supply to the antlers. By early September, the velvet dries and sheds, revealing the mature antler’s bony structure for the autumn mating season (sciencing.com).
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Author: News Desk
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