Speedy, a beloved bison who captivated hearts across North America, was found dead Thursday at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary in Montana.
This 24-year-old bison, known for her gentle nature and unique story, has been in the reserve since 2005.
Speedy was born as a rejected twin and was hand-raised by a Montana family, which saved her life. This unique beginning made her a local celebrity and eventually a beloved national figure.
BR Walker, the shelter's executive director, shared with Cowboy State Daily that the loss has deeply affected everyone who cared for Speedy.
“She lived as normal a life as she could, and she did so wonderfully for over 20 years,” she said.
“She met thousands of people in her time, and they met her. She had a wonderful life and passed away peacefully, but the sense of loss is great here.'
Speedy shared a spacious enclosure with Luna, another bison from Nebraska, and spent the rest of her life at YWS.
Although she, like many of the sanctuary's residents, could not be returned to the wild, Speedy undeniably reigned as the most popular animal.
Speedy, a beloved bison who lived in the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary and captivated hearts across North America, has died
Speedy was born as a rejected twin and was hand-raised by a Montana family, which saved her life
“She had a very even temperament,” she said. 'Children could look straight at her and get close to her without any danger. Everyone was able to view her safely in the enclosure, allowing for an up-close experience with a bison. She was a good communicator and a great ambassador for her kind.”
Walker noted that Luna, the other bison, mourned Speedy as much as the staff.
“Luna got really irritated because we had to take it away quickly,” Walker told local NBC affiliate KULR 8.
'She was then released into the garden where Speedy had been, and she went to where Speedy left. And you just don't think about the hearts of the animals. And we can see it up close. So moving. We must not forget Luna.'
Although she couldn't be released into the wild, Walker said Speedy was a valuable ambassador for her species, educating thousands of visitors about bison and their conservation challenges.
As discussions about bison population management in Yellowstone National Park intensify – with some calling for more bison in the park and others for fewer throughout Montana – Speedy has helped many build a personal connection to these complex issues.
Her unusual start as a pet, followed by her long life on the reserve, demonstrated the value of lifelong care for wildlife.
“Speedy's story is important,” Walker told Cowboy State Daily. “We can talk about how bison mothers sometimes abandon twins, how people want to take wildlife as pets, and that doesn't turn out well. Finally, we have the story of the sanctuary as a place where she can receive lifelong care and live a normal life as a bison should.”
Speedy's unique beginnings made her a local celebrity and eventually a beloved national figure
Speedy's ashes will find their final resting place in the space she called home, while her horns will be preserved for use in the shelter's educational programs.
“There are so many issues related to bison conservation, and it's difficult for us to take a position on them,” Walker said. 'We want people to understand the species, but also see its value, so they can make good decisions about where we go with conservation in the future.'
Walker confirmed that Speedy would be cremated following her sudden death, explaining that those working at the shelter felt it was the most respectful choice.
Her ashes will find their final resting place in the space she called home, while her horns will be preserved for use in the sanctuary's educational programs.
Luna, with whom she shared the enclosure, will now take on the role of YWS' bison ambassador.
“Luna is only six or seven years old and she will certainly have a long life with the care we provide,” Walker said. “She'll get a lot more attention from the public than in Speedy's shadow.”
During her 24th birthday celebration, a sculpture of Speedy created by Red Lodge artist Lee Kern was unveiled to the public.
“She was a brave young bison who survived and lived as long as she did,” Walker said.
'Saying goodbye is especially hard when an animal has been part of the community for so long. With the statue in front of the shrine and her ashes spread in her enclosure, we feel she will always be home.”
In honor of Speedy's memory, the sanctuary is accepting donations to help cover her final expenses and support ongoing wildlife celebrations.
