Rare White Bison

I took this photo of Blizzard a few days ago. The following Newspaper article was written by Sarah McGinnis, Calgary Herald. Published: Monday, December 08, 2008:

"Winter weary Calgarians be warned, a blizzard has taken up residence in the city and doesn't plan on leaving until May.

Unlike the snow which snarled traffic and irritated drivers this weekend, a rare white bison named Blizzard was greeted with a jubulent celebration at the Calgary Zoo on Monday.

Three-year-old Blizzard came from the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg. He is on loan at the Calgary Zoo until May, said Calgary Zoo spokeswoman Laurie Heron.

The bison's pale shade might fool visitors into thinking Blizzard is an albino, but his cream-colouring is actually thanks to a recessive gene that causes the hair follicles to have no dark pigment melanin, said Heron.

The birth of a white buffalo is a rare occurrence with great spiritual significance in the First Nations' plains culture.

Since the Winnipeg zoo closes for the winter, Calgary Zoo staff took the opportunity to bring a strong Native spiritual symbol to the city.

"We recognize that while many visitors will be interested to see a white bison, Blizzard holds special meeting to First Nations people," said Cathy Gaviller, director of conservation, research and education.

"White bison are very rare and we felt this was an important opportunity for the Calgary Zoo to provide a special experience to our community," she said.

Several First Nations elders from the Blood, Stoney, Siksika and Tsuu T'ina nations were on hand to participate in transfer and naming ceremonies Monday to honour Blizzard's arrival.