Environment | Opinion

Editorial: Bison herd returns to ancestral homeland in Nebraska






A herd of 42 genetically pure bison have found a home on Crane Trust lands in Nebraska. Photo from Facebook

Nebraska newspaper welcomes the reintroduction of bison to their native habitat:
The buffalo fortunately has escaped extinction and, these days, is nurtured in parts of the Plains. The majestic animals are even being reintroduced to some parts of the region.

One of those areas is central Nebraska, where around 40 buffalo were recently relocated from Rimrock Ranch in Crawford to a prairie preserve near Grand Island. The site is Nebraska’s last remaining tall- and mixed-grass prairie along the North Platte River.


Crane Trust: Louis LaRose's Bison Story
This project was made possible by the vision and hard work of the Crane Trust, the InterTribal Buffalo Council and the National Wildlife Federation. Among the leaders of this commendable effort is Louie LaRose. A member of the Winnebago tribe, he is a former president of the InterTribal Buffalo Council, known for its many successes with buffalo restoration.

Once the buffalo arrived, LaRose spoke to them, giving voice to Native Americans’ reverence for these remarkable creatures. His words showed that in the 21st century, despite upheavals and unimaginable change, a bond established thousands of years ago remains unbroken.

“You are free,” he told the buffalo. “We will take care of you as you have taken care of us. Welcome home.”

Get the Story:
Editorial: Buffalo bond is unbroken (The Omaha World-Herald

Also Today:
Crowd welcomes genetically pure bison to Nebraska prairie (The Omaha World-Herald 1/19)
Bison back home where ancestors roamed (The Lincoln Journal Star 1/19)
Bison return to prairie in central Nebraska (NET Radio 1/24)

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