American Bison
Bison played a vital role in the lives of many Native American tribes, providing food, shelter, and clothing. They are primarily grazers, meaning they eat grasses and other plants
Habitat
Central plains
Taxonomy
Bovidae > Bison > Bison Bison
Meet our Bison!
Takoda
Takoda, with ear tag number 67, was purchased by the Friends of Lords Park Zoo from Fermilab’s annual bison auction in 2016. Takoda received her Native American, Dakota tribe name meaning “friend to everyone,” from a list of five Native American names in a community wide vote.
She joined the two older female bison, Becky and Drew, who were previously donated by Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo. Unfortunately, Drew and Becky died of age related issues in 2023.
Buffy
Buffy is the youngest female bison. Unfortunately, as sometimes occurs in nature, she was rejected by her Colorado bison herd but was hand fed by the family who owned the herd. The owner’s children named her “Buffy,” which she recognizes and is also on her ear tag.
After learning of the loss of Tefft Farm’s two older bison, the family contacted the city of Elgin in 2024 and offered to donate Buffy if the city would pay the transportation expense. The city accepted this offer and Buffy was transported to Elgin in 2024.
Come See Our Bison!
Register for one of the monthly bison feedings (which also includes the elk and deer) through the Elgin Public Museum (blazier_s@cityofelgin.org). Space is very limited and the price is $5 per person. For safety reasons, no children under the age of 5 may participate.
Learn about Bison
Where Are Bison Found?
Bison are the largest land mammals native to North America. Despite their size, bison are surprisingly agile and can run up to 35 miles per hour. Due to overhunting in the 19th century, bison were nearly wiped out.
Conservation efforts have helped bring them back, but their numbers are still a fraction of what they once were.
Is There a Difference Between Bison & Buffalo?
The words “bison” and “buffalo” are often used interchangeably, but the American bison and the two species of buffalo are completely different animals. Bison are native to North America and Europe, while the African or Cape buffalo and the Asian water buffalo are found on different continents.
Bison have a large hump on their shoulders, while buffalo do not. Bison also have thicker coats and larger heads than buffalo. Bison have short, pointed horns, while buffalo have longer, curved horns. So, while both animals are large, hooved mammals, they are distinct species with different characteristics and habitats.
History of our Bison
From a real photo postcard, copyrighted 1909 by the Leland Art Company. Crating the very first bison to be shipped to the Lords Park Zoo from the Dakotas.
See More Animals
During the summer, both domestic and endangered animals can be seen during special programs.