Wanuskewin welcomes three more baby bison to its first herd since 1867

Wanuskewin Heritage Park has welcomed another three baby bison into the world, adding to its first bison born on Wanuskewin land since the 1800’s back in April.

The first calf was born on Earth Day, April 22. Since then, Wanuskewin says it’s had three bison born up to Mother’s Day, May 10.

“This new generation of bison is comprised of three females and one male and are the offspring of a new herd of bison with ancestral ties back to Yellowstone National Park,” a release by the Heritage Park reads.

“This remarkable group of four calves is the first generation of bison babies to be born on this land since the signing of Treaty Six in 1876.”

The third bison was born on May 5, celebrated as Red Dress Day.

With three of the four births falling on Earth Day, Red Dress Day and Mother’s Day, Wanuskewin CEO Darlene Brander says the herd has an incredible sense of timing.

“It is an honour for our park to welcome these magnificent creatures back to their natural territory,” she was quoted in the release. “We lay down tobacco to give thanks for their arrival and look forward to sharing this herd with all of the world. They have become a powerful symbol of hope and resilience during these trying times of isolation.”

Bison nearly became extinct in the late 1800’s, with over 30 million throughout the Great Plains dwindling down to fewer than 1000.

Wanuskewin welcomed its first bison herd back to its land in December 2019.

The new generation of bison includes three female baby bison, and one male. They have ancestral ties back to Yellowstone National Park.