Elk

Cervus canadensis

Meet Buddy and Heart!

They were brought here in 2019 as yearlings from the Defense Supply Center Richmond in Chesterfield County. While the relocation of cervids (members of the deer and elk family) in Virginia is strictly regulated, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources approved Maymont as one of a few places in the Commonwealth to keep elk for public viewing and education. Wild elk were common in Virginia until the mid-1800s, when they vanished as a result of overhunting and loss of winter grazing areas. Having elk at Maymont allows us to tell the stories of extirpated (locally extinct) wildlife. Other species at Maymont with similar stories are bison and porcupine.

Adopt an Elk

Keeper's Notes

The elk enjoy seasonal produce like pumpkins! They also enjoy carrots, squash, apples, zucchini and strawberries.

Buddy also enjoys rolling a large, blue barrel around his enclosure. He will roll it up the hill and then race it back down. He also likes to throw things around using his antlers.

Heart likes standing in her water trough and dancing around and playing with the water spout when the keepers refill it.

Sometimes the elk can be hard to find since they blend into their habitat so well. Look for them at the top of the hill or lying on the ground near the trees or fence.

Species Info

DIET

Grasses, leafy vegetation, acorns and woody plant material

SIZE

Males weigh 700-1000lbs and females weigh between 400-600lbs; 7-10 feet long

LIFESPAN

Up to 10 years in the wild; and up to 20 years in care settings

HABITAT & RANGE

Grasslands, wetlands, shrublands and forests in southwestern Virginia, eastern Kentucky, Tennessee as well as western US and throughout Canada

CONSERVATION STATUS

Wild populations are mostly found in southwestern Virginia, they do not have any special status

Quick Facts

Male elk shed their heavy winter coats and antlers in mid to late spring.

Other wildlife species benefit from the shed antlers as a great source of calcium.

During the fall, males make loud calls, bugling, to communicate with other males about territory and to attract females.

Resources:

Elk | Virginia DWR

The History of Elk in Virginia | Virginia DWR

Bellwood Elk Herd Historical Marker

Elk in Virginia: Return of a Native Species | Virginia DWR

Explore

Virginia Wildlife Trail

The Robins Nature Center

Maymont Farm

Adopt These Animals!

Through a symbolic adoption, you help us care for our elk and all the animals in Maymont’s care.