The bison calf taking the first step to rewild the Canadian prairies

When Europeans settlers first set their eyes upon North America’s Great Plains, vast seas of bison stretched as far as the horizon. But, more than a century ago, the last of the thundering herds that stampeded across the grasslands disappeared. But the birth of a wild bison calf has renewed hopes that rebuilding sustainable herds is now a step closer. On 22 April, a herd in Wanuskewin heritage park, an Indigenous-run conservation area in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, grew by one member — the first time a calf had been born on the territory since 1876. A close up of the new arrival. Photograph: Wanuskewin Heritage Park Hailing the new arrival as “historic”, Wanuskewin’s chief executive said the birth was a step in the right direction. “We feel humbled and blessed for the arrival the baby bison and for the herd that’s with it,” said Darlene Brander. Brander said that after consultation with a council of elders, the decision was made to not name the calf. “The elders told us that because bison are the brothers and sisters of many Indigenous peoples across the land, it wouldn’t be appropriate to give the newborn a name,” she said. “We’ve […]

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