A herd of six American bison, consisting of three males and three females, has made a grand return to the Illinois prairie, marking a significant moment after their absence for 200 years.
As the bison stepped into their new home, they were greeted with the uplifting sounds of drumming, joyous songs, and enthusiastic cheers from a large crowd. Members of the Santee Sioux tribe, wrapped in their woven blankets and warm jackets, gathered at the Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve in Kane County, located 60 miles northwest of Chicago, to witness this remarkable homecoming.
“Welcoming them back home feels different; this is their home, not mine,” shared tribal elder Robert Wapahi, reflecting on the profound significance of the event.
The bison were carefully released from a large trailer into a cattle enclosure, allowing them to gradually adjust to the chilly prairie environment. Come spring, they will move to a larger, still-fenced area, where they are expected to play a vital role in revitalizing the native grasslands.
“It’s truly important and amazing to see another herd making its way back,” one enthusiastic attendee remarked, as drummers performed a song to celebrate the moment.
The American Indian Center, the oldest urban Native American cultural establishment in the country, will oversee the care of these magnificent creatures alongside the dedicated staff of the Kane County Forest Preserve and a designated herd manager.
The drastic decline of bison from around 35 million to just a few thousand has had a significant impact on the North American prairie, even beyond the conversion of vast areas into farmland. Bison play a crucial role in shaping grassland ecosystems, much like beavers do for streams.
These majestic animals once roamed the grasslands, their countless hooves helping to maintain ecological balance by preventing any single species from dominating an area. Their thick coats served as excellent seed dispersers, while their dung enriched the soil, and their wallowing behaviors created pits that enhanced the landscape’s resilience to drought and improved water retention.
Across North America, efforts are underway to reintroduce bison to their native prairies, albeit in small numbers. While six bison may seem modest compared to the historical population, every journey begins with a single step.
The joy and excitement radiating from the Santee Sioux as the shaggy bison emerged from the trailer is a powerful reminder of the positive impact of this reintroduction. Together, we can celebrate the return of this iconic American species!
