Four pregnant cows have moved into the grounds of Government House in Hobart, continuing a centuries-old tradition of grazing on the historic estate.
The Murray Grey cattle named Nola, Sally, Chloe and Zephyr arrived on Tuesday from Cloverside Murray Greys stud.
They’ll spend the coming months grazing the paddocks in front of the vice-regal residence before giving birth in the middle of next year.
The Governor of Tasmania announced the new arrivals on social media, describing them as “four-legged landscapers” who will help keep the lawns in check throughout the growing season.
“… They are looking forward to a relaxing time munching the plentiful grass,” the post said.
The cows join a long history of livestock at the 15-hectare estate, which dates back to the early colonial period when the Government Domain was used for grazing and other agricultural purposes.
Government House still maintains working kitchen gardens and an orchard, with produce used for official functions.
The estate’s paddocks have also regularly hosted cattle from Tasman District School, which runs an agricultural education program for students from kindergarten to Year 12.
The announcement included an update on Vice-Regal Vance, a bull calf unexpectedly born at Government House last November.
“… We are pleased to report that Vice-Regal Vance is now grown up and will be exhibited at the Royal Hobart Show this week,” the post said.
The gardens at Government House are regarded as among Australia’s finest private Victorian-era gardens, maintained much as they were developed in the 1850s and 1860s.
