Missouri elk released from holding pen

The 34 elk and five new calves in the Peck Ranch Conservation Area were released on June 1 from their three-acre holding pen.

Their release followed health tests performed by the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Peck Ranch will remain closed to the public for the time being to allow the elk to acclimate to their new environment. It will be reopened within a few months. The area is administered by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Conservation staff say that they expect additional cows remain pregnant.

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