Elk (Eurasian Elk)

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Eurasian Elk

ZooTek Phoenix

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Author: Ghirin

Keywords: Real Animals, ungulates

Date released: Sept 6, 2005

Current EurasianElkGha_2003.ztd dated 4 November 2003

File Size: 2.66 Mb

Compatibility: All Game Versions

Description: The majestic elk is the largest member of the deer family, measuring up to 7.5 feet in height. They can be found throughout the northern forests of North America, Europe, and Russia. Male elk (bulls) are much larger than female elk (cows); a large bull can weigh up to twice as much as a typical cow. During most of the year, the bull is distinguished by a magnificent set of antlers, having an average spread of 4 to 5 feet and as many as 30 tines. The shape of these antlers is unique to the individual. Mature males shed their antlers once a year in the winter and replace them with larger ones. Other characteristics of the elk include large muscular shoulders, a "bell" or dewlap of skin under the chin, a drooping nose, long legs, and a small tail.
Elk are a very hardy and adaptable species, wintering successfully in some of the coldest regions of the world. There is some confusion surrounding this animal's name: whereas an elk is always an elk, an elk is called a moose in North America, and an elk in America is a different species known in Europe as a red deer.

In the wild, elk occupy a wide variety of different habitats, ranging from densely forested areas, to swampy areas around bogs and streams, to open forest-tundra regions. A typical elk habitat might be a forested area that contains a water source and abundant plant life. Elk enjoy munching on a wide variety of foliage, with a particular fondness for willow. An adult elk consumes an average of 44 pounds of plants a day, but will eat more in spring and autumn. In the autumn, they can consume as much as 130 pounds a day.

Elk have poor vision, which is compensated for by acute hearing and smell. They are swift runners, reaching speeds of up to 35 miles an hour. They are also excellent swimmers and can dive a considerable depth, having valvular nostrils, which seal upon submergence.

Elk are solitary animals, except during the rutting season. The strongest social bond is between mother and young. They do not like crowding. They will generally avoid humans, but can be unpredictable and dangerous under certain conditions. For instance, cows with calves and rutting bulls have been known to charge people, cars, horses, and even locomotives.

During the fall rut, bulls compete for mates by bringing their antlers together and shoving. Generally quiet creatures, both sexes give out a cow-like moo during this season. Elk reproduce well and can quickly fill their habitat to capacity if they are not limited by predation and hard winters. When food supplies are abundant, cows will frequently give birth to twins or even triplets. In the spring, last year's offspring will be driven off by the cow as she prepares to give birth again.

A healthy adult elk has little to fear from most animals. The two main predators of elk are bears and wolves. Many more elk fall to humans, as these animals are a favorite target for big game hunters. The primary limiting factor of elk populations is habitat. A harsh winter will greatly increase elk mortality.

*Inspired by the Zoo Tycoon Brains Trust
Created by Ghirin 2003

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Additional info:

Eurasian_Elk.zip          EurasianElkGha_2003.ztd        uca: C4EFE026 dated 4 Nov 03

Results From Configuration Checking:

animals/c4efe026.uca date: Tue Nov  4 11:57:36 2003
*** Warning: The [] section is unnecessary and could be removed.
Animal Type: C4EFE026

Eurasian Elk

The majestic elk is the largest member of the deer family, measuring up to 7.5
feet in height. They can be found throughout the northern forests of North
America, Europe, and Russia. Male elk (bulls) are much larger than female elk
(cows); a large bull can weigh up to twice as much as a typical cow. During
most of the year, the bull is distinguished by a magnificent set of antlers,
having an average spread of 4 to 5 feet and as many as 30 tines. The shape of
these antlers is unique to the individual. Mature males shed their antlers
once a year in the winter and replace them with larger ones. Other
characteristics of the elk include large muscular shoulders, a "bell" or
dewlap of skin under the chin, a drooping nose, long legs, and a small tail.
    (plus 8 other paragraphs)

Animal Characteristics:

Habitat: Deciduous Forest; Location: Eurasia
Minimum happiness needed for chance of breeding: 90.
Preferred shelter: Large Stable.
Animal can jump.

Exhibit Preferences:

Foliage:
Elm Tree, Pacific Dogwood Tree, Cherry Tree, Lodgepole Pine Tree, Maple Tree
Fir Tree, Pine Tree, Yew Tree, Birch Tree, Spruce Tree, Yellow Cedar Tree
Trembling Aspen Tree, Globe Willow Tree, Deciduous Bush, Weeping Willow Tree
White Oak Tree, Western Red Cedar Tree, Chinese Fir Tree, Broadleaf Bush
Pine Bush, Club Moss Shrub (DD), Walchian Conifer Tree (DD)
Dawn Redwood Tree (DD), Gingko Tree (DD), Glossopteris Tree (DD)
Lepidodendron Tree (DD), Magnolia Tree (DD), Monkey Puzzle Tree (DD)
Norfolk Island Pine Tree (DD), Bonsai (CC), Snowbell Tree (CC)

Rocks:
Large Rock, Small Rock - Medium, Small Rock - Small
Deciduous Forest Rock - Formation, Coniferous Forest Rock - Formation
Medium Coniferous Rock (DD)

Exhibit Construction:

Number of animals allowed per exhibit: 1-3 with 20 squares for each adult.

Exhibit size (for 2 adults): 40 grid squares

Terrain (for exhibit with 40 grid squares):
20 Deciduous Floor, 4 Fresh Water, 8 Grass, 8 Coniferous Floor

Foliage (for exhibit with 40 grid squares):
6 grid squares should contain foliage.
Foliage that would give the most happiness: Weeping Willow Tree
Since this is a small plant, greatest happiness will occur
if each of the 6 grid squares contains 4 of this plant.

Rocks (for exhibit with 40 grid squares):
3 Small Rock - Small, which is its most liked rock.