Tanka Impact podcast: Restoring the Herd: A Collaboration by Tanka Fund, Dept. of Natural Resources, & Minnesota Zoo
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In this compelling episode of Tanka Impact, we sit down with Mary Mallinger, a conservation biologist at the Minnesota Zoo who played a key role in a groundbreaking partnership among the Tanka Fund, the Department of National Resources, and the Minnesota Zoo. Together, they orchestrated the release of Buffalo back onto Native lands—a monumental step toward restoring these majestic animals to their ancestral homes.
About Tanka Impact podcast
Hosted by Phillip Gaudon, assistant marketing director of Tanka Fund, the podcast will explore the connection between Buffalo restoration, Native food sovereignty, and sustainable agriculture. Hear stories from Native leaders, agricultural experts, and community members working to heal the land and restore the Buffalo. Each episode shares insights on cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment. If you’re passionate about Indigenous culture, food systems, or sustainability, Tanka Impact brings you conversations that inspire change.
Summary of current episode
Mary Malinger, conservation biologist at the Minnesota State Zoo, shares her work in bison conservation and ecosystem restoration. She highlights partnerships with the Minnesota DNR and Tanka Fund, emphasizing collaborative efforts to return bison to their ancestral homelands. Malinger reflects on bison’s ecological importance, the challenges of relocating herds, and fostering community and environmental impact.
Key points from current episode
Bison Conservation Focus:
Mary Malinger leads bison conservation efforts at the Minnesota State Zoo, managing herds in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to restore and sustain bison populations across the state.
Collaborative Partnerships:
The Minnesota State Zoo partnered with Tanka Fund to return bison to their ancestral homelands, involving extensive planning, legislative changes, and logistical coordination.
Ecological Impact:
Bison play a critical role as a keystone species, supporting prairie ecosystems by spreading seeds, enriching soil, and promoting biodiversity.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
The project fosters connections between bison restoration and Indigenous communities, emphasizing the cultural and personal importance of returning bison to their original lands.
Challenges and Achievements:
Despite regulatory and logistical hurdles, the collaboration succeeded in relocating bison herds, providing lasting ecological, cultural, and generational benefits.
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