These four bison living at Jeannie's Cottage are part of her personal collection. On the left is Biff the Buffalo from Swibco. Biff is a Puffkin. Next is Cody from Russ Berry. The big white bison is Roam and Roam is a very special bison. White bison are very rare and are honored among American Indians. Roam is also a Ty Beanie Buddy. And on the right is Roam the Beanie Baby from Ty Inc.
This other group of bison are now in the Gift Shop.
This group includes bison from the Stuffed Animal House, Cody the Bison from Russ Luv Pets, Wild Republic showing two bison - one with sound, Douglas Cuddle Toys Bill the Bison and Jaag Plush. We have some Bison in the Gift Shop.
Bison (Bison bison) are large mammals,
being anywhere from 7 to 11 feet long and 5 to 6 feet at the shoulder. A mature bull can weigh up to 2000 pounds. They are unpredictable and should never be approached too closely.
At one time bison grazed the North American continent in great numbers from the mountain grasslands of the West as far east as Georgia. Almost hunted to extinction by the end of the 19th century, these animals were bred in zoos and on ranches and then released in parks and refuges. Today they can be seen in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta and the National Bison Range in Montana. Sometimes called Buffalo, they belong to the family Bovidae, which also includes sheep, goats and cattle. All have horns. They travel in large bands or herds.
Bison are long-lived animals. Cows give birth to a single calf in May after a gestation of 9 to 9-1/2 months. Calves follow their mothers closely for two to three weeks after birth. They are weaned at about seven months. Bison have been known to produce calves at 30 years of age. All members of the herd watch over the young. Bison will eat tree twigs and leaves, although they prefer grass. In spite of their bulk they are surprisingly agile and fast; they have been clocked at 40 mph.
To see other animals of the prairie, click on the links below: Introduction | Bison | Prairie Dog | Pronghorn
