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

[Judi Lynn]

Wild bison could once again roam over Saskatchewan after a herd welcomed its first calf since 1876

Leyland Cecco in Toronto
Fri 1 May 2020 05.00 EDT

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.

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.

More:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/01/the-bison-calf-taking-the-first-step-to-rewild-the-canadian-prairies