As fresh snow redecorated the tranquil plains of the Wolakota Buffalo Range, new and precious life entered the world. Two bison calves took their first breaths amid the falling flakes—the first to be born on this ground in at least 140 years. The frisky duo appeared healthy and had no problem sticking with their mothers despite the chill. Their birth marks a major milestone for a project that aims to bring 1,500 bison to the land of the Sicangu Oyate, commonly known as the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. This past fall and winter, the Rosebud Economic Development Corporation (REDCO), with support from WWF and Rosebud Tribal Land Enterprise, transferred 135 bison to the Wolakota Buffalo Range from Badlands National Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and American Prairie Reserve. This 27,680-acre area of native grassland, when at capacity, will become North America’s largest Native American-owned and managed bison herd. “The birth of the first bison calves at Wolakota Buffalo Range is a wonderful sign of renewal for the Sicangu Lakota people and their lands,” said Dennis Jorgensen, bison program manager for WWF. “WWF is thrilled to be a partner to REDCO in projects like this that will bring […]
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