Incredibly Rare White Buffalo Calf Birthed at Yellowstone

By Isaac White

A truly extraordinary event that has captivated both visitors and indigenous communities alike has reportedly occurred, a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, a rare white buffalo calf has been born in Yellowstone National Park. The sighting was first made by Erin Braaten, a photographer with Dancing Aspens Photography, who documented the young calf shortly after its birth in the northeastern expanses of the park. Sharing her extraordinary experience with ABC News, Braaten expressed her awe, "I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” she said. “It was so surreal. I just knew it was something special and one of the most unique things I’ve ever photographed.”

Although park authorities have yet to officially confirm the birth, the Lakota Sioux leaders are preparing for a ceremonial celebration at the Buffalo Field Campaign's headquarters in West Yellowstone on June 26. This organization, which has long advocated for the protection and rights of buffalo, views the birth as a significant and auspicious occurrence.

The winter of 2023 had been particularly severe for the Yellowstone buffalo, also known as bison, driving thousands to lower elevations. Over 1,500 animals were either killed, relocated, or transferred to tribes reclaiming stewardship of this species that is integral to their cultural heritage.

Historically, tens of millions of buffalo roamed the plains of the western US, but relentless hunting in the 19th century decimated their numbers, severely impacting Native American communities that depended on the buffalo for sustenance and cultural identity.

Today, buffalo numbers have modestly rebounded in protected areas like Yellowstone, home to approximately 5,000 of these beautiful animals.

The birth of a white buffalo calf is an event of profound cultural importance, symbolized in the Lakota legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman—a story that resonates with themes of promise and spiritual resurgence.

According to Lakota lore, during a time of great famine and distress, when the bison had vanished and the people were starving, the White Buffalo Calf Woman appeared, bringing hope and critical teachings. Two scouts were out searching for food when they spotted a figure in the distance, which turned out to be a beautiful and ethereal woman.

The scouts observed her as she approached, and despite their initial intentions, one was struck by her sacred presence. As he acted disrespectfully towards her, a great whirlwind swept him away, leaving only bones. The respectful scout received her wisdom and her gifts. She presented him with a sacred pipe adorned with a buffalo calf carving and instructed him on its use to ensure the buffalo would return to feed their people.

She taught the people how to live in harmony. Before leaving, she transformed into different buffalo colors—black, red, brown, and finally white—each color significant to the Lakota as it represented different aspects of their existence and beliefs.

Her final transformation into a white buffalo calf symbolized the highest level of purity and spiritual significance. As she disappeared over the horizon, she promised that the Lakota would prosper as long as they kept the ceremonies she taught them.

The birth of a white buffalo calf is seen as a fulfillment of this prophecy, a sign that the people's words are being heard and that a time of renewal is imminent. It reminds us of the enduring nature of Indigenous people.

As the Lakota and other indigenous groups gather to honor this significant event, it serves as a powerful symbol of hope, urging all to reflect on the importance of conservation and cultural respect in our interactions with the natural world.