Bison return to Abilene Zoo
Just one century ago, bison roamed the grasslands that are modern-day Abilene, and they have long been a cherished symbol synonymous with the Abilene community. For years, these magnificent creatures were on exhibit at Abilene Zoo, but in 2011, the zoo's bison were relocated to a private facility. Now, thanks to the generosity of the Weilert family, Uno, an eight-year-old male bison, is making his debut at the zoo, marking the return of this iconic species fourteen years later.
In the coming weeks, Uno will be joined by a female bison, both of whom have been residing on a private ranch owned by the Weilert family just outside of Abilene. After Uno was displaced from his herd by another male bison, owner Steve Weilert had the idea of donating him and a breeding female to the zoo, a news release said.
"I've loved bison my whole life, and I remember as a kid just being fascinated by them- their size and beauty," Steve Weilert said in the release. "I've always wanted to see them brought back to the zoo so kids today can see and appreciate how magnificent they are. This is a dream come true for our family."
The return of bison to the zoo is not only a historic moment, it showcases the zoo's deep commitment to conservation and education. The bison will serve as ambassadors for their species, helping visitors understand the vital role they play in the ecosystem and the importance of preserving their natural habitats.
"We are excited to welcome these majestic creatures to our zoo," said Jesse Pottebaum, Zoo Director. "Bison are a symbol of resilience and strength, and their presence here allows us to educate the public about the efforts being made to protect and restore their populations in the wild."
Uno is out on exhibit daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit abilenezoo.org.
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