You are here

Home » Century Baby? Bison Calf Born at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve First Since Mid-1800s

Century Baby? Bison Calf Born at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve First Since Mid-1800s

Share

Published Date

August 16, 2010

For the first time since the mid-1800s a bison calf has been born on the stretch of Kansas prairie now known as Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. NPS photo.

That didn't take long.

While a bison recovery plan for Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve was just launched last fall, and with only 13 bison, the project recently marked a significant milestone with the birth of a calf.

Preserve officials believe that the recovery project marks the first time in roughly 140 years that bison have been on this stretch of Kansas prairie. And now they're celebrating a birthday.

The majority of the park’s 10,894 acres is owned by The Nature Conservancy, while the National Park Service owns 34 acres. Both work collaboratively to manage the park’s natural resources.

The bison were shipped to the preserve from Wind Cave National Park. Tallgrass Prairie and Conservancy staff originally planned to reintroduce 20 bison, split evenly between males and females, but fewer animals than expected were corralled during roundup last fall. The park plans to introduce more bison from Wind Cave as they become available.

The Wind Cave National Park bison herd can trace its origins back to 14 animals transferred to the park in 1913 by the New York Zoological Society, also known as the Bronx Zoo, with six more bison coming from Yellowstone National Park in 1916. These bison are considered quite valuable within the bison restoration community, since the Wind Cave herd is one of only two known public herds in the United States thought to be free of historic cattle interbreeding.

Interest in the bison herd has remained high with visitors, according to Park Service officials. The herd can be viewed either on foot or by tour bus, as park trails run through or adjacent to the bison pasture. This interest increased significantly over the 2010 Mother’s Day weekend with the birth of a calf, a female, on Sunday, May 9th. The bison calf is the first born on the property since at least the mid-1800s.

"It's going to be great to see them grow," said Wendy Lauritzen, the park’s superintendent. "They're needed here."

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.