Yellowstone Mourns death of Beloved 24-Year-Old Bison Named Speedy that Dies At Yellowstone National Park

The sanctuary had been her home since 2005. The animal had endured herself to the many works and visitors over the years. In an interview with Cowboy State Daily, B.R. Walker, the sanctuary’s executive director, confirmed the sad news. The Yellowstone sanctuary staff are feeling a great sense of loss over Speedy’s passing.

“She lived as normal a life as she could, and she did so beautifully for over 20 years,” she said. “She met thousands of people in her time, and they met her. She lived beautifully and passed peacefully, but there’s a great sense of loss here.”

Speedy ended up in the care of others since birth. Born on a bison ranch, her mother had rejected her because she was the smaller of two twins. Instead, the ranch hand and their family ended up raising the calf. “The family would ride her around in their car, and she went in parades and different events,” she said. “They ultimately decided she was a little big, so she came to live with us.”

Speedy The Bison Dies

At the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary, Speedy became fast friends with another bison named Luna. She also appeared to get along well with some fo the young visitors that came to the park. “She had a really even temperament,” she said. “Kids could look right at her and get close to her without any danger. Everyone could safely view her in the enclosure, allowing a close-up experience with a bison. She was a good communicator and a great ambassador for her species.”