Speedy the Bison Leaves Lasting Legacy
Speedy passed peacefully on January 16
Press Release and Photos from Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
Speedy the bison, longest lived resident at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary and beloved ambassador for her species, has passed away. The YWS staff discovered her during the morning check on January 16. She had been eating well and doing her usual routines with no sign of illness. Her passing was apparently peaceful.
Speedy was born on a bison ranch, the smaller of twins. As happens in nature, her mother prioritized the care of the larger calf, and so the ranch family took her in to raise themselves. They brought her to YWS in 2005, when she had become too big for their home. She was the oldest of YWS current residents, and her fans would have celebrated her 24th birthday at this year's Bison Birthday Party in June.
Over the years, Speedy offered visitors from near and far a safe, close-up introduction to the magnificent bison, which was named the U.S. national mammal in 2016. More locally, generations of families spent time with Speedy over the years and came to love her as a special favorite. At last year’s Bison Birthday, a sculpture of Speedy created by Lee Kern of Red Lodge was unveiled. The sculpture was placed in memory of William Wondra and provided through memorial gifts in his honor.
The YWS team worked hard to ensure that Speedy had the nutrition and care that enabled her to live a long life. “We mourn the loss of any of our animals,” said BR Walker, YWS Executive Director. “In the case of an animal who’s been in the community for such a long time, it’s especially difficult to say goodbye. We respect the needs of our staff to come to terms with their loss."
Speedy’s life and death exemplify the Sanctuary mission, Walker said. “We promise lifelong sanctuary and respectful care through the end of life. In Speedy’s case, we’ll provide cremation, and her ashes will help nourish our grounds for the future.”
Gifts in Speedy’s memory to help with her final expenses and support our ongoing celebration of Greater Yellowstone wildlife will be most welcome. To donate go to https://yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.org/ or mail to YWS, P.O. Box 675, Red Lodge MT 59068.