A
N
I
M
A
L
S
The American bison, nicknamed "Thunder" by the keepers, is a living symbol of the plains. Thunder's story begins with his rescue from a ranch where he was part of an unsustainable breeding program. Now residing in the zoo's sprawling grasslands, Thunder enjoys plenty of space to roam and graze. His powerful stature and shaggy coat often draw comparisons to ancient megafauna, leaving visitors in awe.
During the colder months, Thunder's thick winter coat becomes a talking point for educational sessions, where visitors learn about the harsh winters bison endure in the wild. The zoo uses Thunder's story to highlight the near-extinction of bison in the 19th century and how conservation efforts brought them back from the brink.