Three bison positioned high on an indoor cliff form a striking but still tableau for visitors to Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump near Fort Macleod, Alta.
The three animals are visible from numerous vantage points throughout the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are constant reminders of the importance of bison to First Nations people over a period of at least 6,000 years.
Perched as they are, the taxidermied animals have been faded by sun coming through the facility’s skylights. And besides, a herd of three could probably be improved upon.
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Enter Peter Haase of Buffalo Horn Ranch near Olds, Alta.
Five of his animals — or at least their hides and heads — will soon form part of a larger bison display inside the site.
“I think the idea is to put a small herd of bison, not just three,” said Haase during an Aug. 10 tour of the buffalo jump. “The animals that are here are quite faded.”
The new tableau will feature two heifers, one cull cow and one breeding bull, all of which Haase sold for meat, as well as a calf that died a few days after birth.
Haase has been in the bison business since 1994 and believes the heritage site got his name through a taxidermist in Olds. His herd is pure Plains bison, a factor vital to a display that preserves the heritage and culture surrounding that breed.
Many bison producers in the province have hybrid animals, crosses between Plains and Wood bison.
Three of the five animals have already been mounted and the other two are in process. Haase said he’s looking forward to visiting Head Smashed In again once the additional animals are installed.
“It’s an interesting opportunity and I think it’s a good legacy for our herd.”
