Muskox
Did you know?
Ovibos moschatus
Muskoxen have secret weapon against the cold – a two-layer coat. Their soft underwool, called qiviut (“kiv-ee-ute”) is warmer than sheep’s wool and softer than cashmere. They shed it in spring.
Discover Muskoxen
All four muskoxen together
All four muskoxen are now together and sharing access to both of their yards. Guests may see occasional chasing, head butting, and play as the group settles into herd life. The plan is to keep them together most of the time, creating a more typical social structure.
Read the blog
Habitat
Wild and Zoo
Muskoxen have lived in the frozen Arctic for many thousands of years, living on prairies and tundra in Greenland, northern Canada and Alaska.
Find them in our Arctic Tundra.
Arctic Tundra
Meet the Keepers
Our muskoxen are taken care of by their dedicated keepers. Read about how our keepers plan their day working with the wonderful muskoxen family.
Zookeeper Life: Russell
Meet our Muskoxen
Hudson
Charlotte
Willow
Pretzel
Protecting Muskoxen
Saving a species.
THE THREAT: Muskoxen were hunted for meat and hides in the 19th and 20th centuries, and their populations plummeted.
TAKE ACTION: The Northwest Game Act of 1917 allowed for conservation efforts that helped their recovery, and there are now around 80,000 muskoxen in the wild. Conservation works!
Arctic Stories
Member Rewards
Looking for a deeper experience at the Zoo? Become a member to get peeks, perks and discounts.