A newborn bison calf has been born in Avesta bison park bringing the herd to 21 animals. The park costs Avesta municipality around 3 million kronor a year in operating grants which divides local politicians.
When SVT Dalarna visited the bison park the herd had grown to 21 animals with the four-day-old bull calf AvAnton. It is the third calf of the year and the first bull. The park usually sees 4-8 calves born each year.
Mikael Jansson head of the bison park says small calves always attract interest. The calves are named with an Astrid Lindgren theme where AvAnton follows AvAstrid and AvAlma born earlier this year.
Avesta municipality took over operation of the park in 2004. The operation does not cover its own costs and the municipality had to add around 3 million kronor last year. SVT's local election compass shows support for the bison park is a political divider in the municipality.