VIDEO: From State Park to Sacred Lands: Tanka Fund returns Buffalo to Fond Du Lac homeland

Written By Chris Wynne

In partnership with the Minnesota Zoo, Tanka Fund launched a successful initiative to return Buffalo to their Native lands and caretakers. With help from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Zoo, Buffalo were transported from Minneopa State Park to join the herd at Dancing Crane Ranch.

Key points:

  • Historical Significance: The Buffalo were returned to Dancing Crane Ranch, owned by Tanka Fund rancher partners David and Patra Wise (Native Wise LLC). It is the oldest historical Native-owned ranch on the Fond Du Lac Reservation in Sawyer, MN.

  • Effort to Restore Buffalo Populations: The release is part of a broader effort to restore Buffalo populations on their ancestral lands, reflecting a significant cultural and environmental endeavor.

  • Unexpected Escape: During the acclimation period, three Buffalo managed to escape through a small hole in the fence, joining the main herd earlier than scheduled.

  • Reunion of the Herd: Caretaker Dave decided to unite the two groups of Buffalo ahead of schedule to prevent injuries, symbolizing the Buffalo’s instinct to reunite and their deep connection to the ancestral lands.

Chris Wynne
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