Rare White Bison Calf Born at Iowa Wildlife Refuge

A rare white bison calf has been born at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City, Iowa, marking a significant and sacred event. According to the National Park Service, white bison occur in approximately one out of every million births, making this occurrence exceptionally uncommon. This is the first recorded birth of a white bison at this specific refuge, which currently houses 81 bison. Refuge Manager Scott Gilje described the event as very special. The birth holds profound cultural and spiritual significance for many Native American nations, including the Sioux, Lakota, and Dakota, who view the white bison as a sacred symbol of hope and harmony based on the legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman. While wild bison were once endangered, conservation efforts have stabilized their populations, with around 30,000 managed bison now living in North America. The refuge expects more calves to be born in the coming weeks, continuing its annual cycle of new life among its herd and other grassland species.