Speedy, a cherished 24-year-old bison residing at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary in Red Lodge, Montana, passed away peacefully in her enclosure.
Born on a bison ranch, Speedy was rejected by her mother due to being the smaller of twin calves. Raised by the ranch hand’s family, she participated in parades and community events before becoming too large for domestic life. In 2005, she found a permanent home at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary.
At the sanctuary, Speedy formed a close bond with another bison named Luna and became a favorite among visitors, especially children, due to her gentle demeanor. B.R. Walker, the sanctuary’s executive director, remarked, “She had a really even temperament… She was a good communicator and a great ambassador for her species.”
To honor her memory, Speedy will be cremated, with her ashes scattered in her longtime enclosure. Her distinctive horns will be preserved for educational purposes. Walker reflected on Speedy’s legacy, stating, “She was a courageous young bison to have survived and lived as long as she did… With the statue in front of the sanctuary and her ashes scattered in her yard, we feel that she’ll be back home.”
Following Speedy’s passing, Luna will assume the role of the sanctuary’s bison ambassador, continuing the cycle of life and education at the sanctuary.
Source: Wide Open Spaces
