White Bison Calf Deemed Sacred Goes Missing In Yellowstone

A rare white bison calf, born on June 4 in Yellowstone National Park, has vanished, causing concern among Native American tribes and park officials. The calf, last seen in Lamar Valley, holds cultural significance for Native Americans, making its disappearance particularly troubling.

The calf is leucistic, meaning it has black eyes and pigmented hooves, unlike an albino bison. Such births are extremely rare, occurring approximately once in a million births. This calf’s birth signifies a remarkable milestone in Yellowstone’s bison recovery program, which now boasts a population of 3,000 to 6,000 animals.

Chief Arvol Looking Horse of the Great Sioux Nation, who is the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe and Bundle, named the calf Wakan Gli, translating to Sacred Return, during a ceremony in West Yellowstone, Montana. The June 26 event drew around 500 attendees, including representatives from numerous Native American tribes.

The white bison’s birth is seen by Native Americans as fulfilling an ancient prophecy, symbolizing a crucial moment for humanity. Chief Looking Horse highlighted the prophecy’s call for unity and positive action to ensure a better future for the next generations.

Although bison calving occurs in late spring and early summer, it is not uncommon for about 20% of calves to die shortly after birth due to natural hazards. Nevertheless, there is hope that Wakan Gli is still alive. Mike Mease, co-founder of the Buffalo Field Campaign, believes the calf might be in a remote area away from usual visitor paths. He emphasized that the prophecy’s message has already had a significant impact, regardless of the calf’s fate.

In a separate event, an even rarer albino bison calf was born on a ranch in Texas. This calf, born to two blond bison, underscores the unique genetic variations and extraordinary occurrences within the bison population.

The disappearance of the white bison calf has sparked concern and hope among those who understand its cultural importance. Efforts are ongoing to locate the calf, while others focus on the broader implications of the prophecy and the need for change in society.