That seemed an odd action to take, especially considering this quote from the same article.
"But even when humans are not involved, bison mothers — especially young ones — will sometimes abandon their calves, which then typically succumb to predators or to starvation, the Yellowstone representative noted. And the NPS does not intervene in those circumstances either. "Our goal is to maintain the ecological processes of Yellowstone," the representative said. And though it might be difficult for park visitors to accept, naturally occurring animal deaths are one of those processes, the rep added."
I may be a horrible person, but my next thought was, "I wonder what bison veal chops taste like?"
I have had bison as jerky and as burgers, and really liked both. I fully understand animals dying, on problem with that. But this one they tried to replant into the herd multiple times. Since they were already messing with it, why not send to a zoo?
First, I would imagine that most zoos are full. Then, you have to consider the investment in both food, space and veterinary care required to raise a bison that will one day be a 1,400 lb. adult. On top of that, there is the expense of finding a zoo willing to take it and then the transport fees. Overall, it could be quite expensive.
All that being said, let's not lose the focus here. This animal was not in danger until human beings messed with it. Had the idiot tourists left it alone, per park regulations, this little one would probably still be alive and living happily among the herd. I think the people who put it in their car should be fined and/or jailed to the full extent of the law.
Pin it! 
4 comments
Login to comment →
daemon 8 years, 6 months ago
That seemed an odd action to take, especially considering this quote from the same article.
"But even when humans are not involved, bison mothers — especially young ones — will sometimes abandon their calves, which then typically succumb to predators or to starvation, the Yellowstone representative noted. And the NPS does not intervene in those circumstances either. "Our goal is to maintain the ecological processes of Yellowstone," the representative said. And though it might be difficult for park visitors to accept, naturally occurring animal deaths are one of those processes, the rep added."
I may be a horrible person, but my next thought was, "I wonder what bison veal chops taste like?"
Reply
Robochess 8 years, 6 months ago
I have had bison as jerky and as burgers, and really liked both.
I fully understand animals dying, on problem with that. But this one they tried to replant into the herd multiple times. Since they were already messing with it, why not send to a zoo?
Reply
Razorback 8 years, 6 months ago
First, I would imagine that most zoos are full. Then, you have to consider the investment in both food, space and veterinary care required to raise a bison that will one day be a 1,400 lb. adult. On top of that, there is the expense of finding a zoo willing to take it and then the transport fees. Overall, it could be quite expensive.
All that being said, let's not lose the focus here. This animal was not in danger until human beings messed with it. Had the idiot tourists left it alone, per park regulations, this little one would probably still be alive and living happily among the herd. I think the people who put it in their car should be fined and/or jailed to the full extent of the law.
Reply
Robochess 8 years, 6 months ago
I 100% agree that humans killed this calf. I also agree that the people that put it in the car should be fined and penalized.
Reply