White buffalo birth causing a stir
Last updated May 24 2005 04:10 PM MDT
CBC News
FORT ST. JOHN, BC – The birth of a rare white buffalo – the odds of which are said to be one in 10 million – is creating some excitement on a ranch north of Peace Country.
The owners of Blatz Bison Ranch in Fort St. John, just across the Alberta border in British Columbia, say the white buffalo calf was born prematurely April 17th.
Native legend holds that the white buffalo is a harbinger of peace and unity.
In that spirit, owner Karen Blatz, says she's named the calf `Spirit of Peace.'
"To them a white buffalo is a symbol of hope, rebirth or unity and also peace and because he was born north of Peace River, we thought Peace would be a good name."
Blatz said the young calf is being bottle fed and may have to be for several more months. She said the calf weighed only 9 kilograms at birth, half of what they normally weigh.
The calf was started on bottles shortly after his birth as it was having trouble getting milk from its mother.
Blazt said she was stunned when she saw the young creature for the first time.
"It was almost like we couldn't believe our eyes, we know how rare it is and we thought how can this be on our farm."
Blatz said the animal will remain under her care for several more months but she is considering selling it.
"We would definitely consider selling him, it could be to the native Americans or even if a circus or a zoo wants something rare to put in there – to draw the crowds that would be good too, but he definitely needs more exposure than where we live."
The calf is already drawing attention from curious neighbors and now the media.
According to one source that follows the birth of white buffalos, only 19 others have been born in the last 70 years.
Blatz attributed the odds of the birth, one in 10 million, to the National Buffalo Association.
May 2005 Reports
Special thanks to Bea Woodward for the lead!
Last updated on May 26, 2005