Oklahoma City Zoo‘s beloved 22-year-old female bison, Mary Ann, was euthanized after her end-of-life care showed age-related declining health issues. Having arrived in 2001 from Kansas, Mary Ann was a fan’s favorite and ambassador for educating the Zoo’s guests about Oklahoma’s unique biodiversity within its Oklahoma Trails habitat. Mary Ann was known for exploring her habitat, interacting with her younger counterparts, Yarrow and Verbena, and the occasional snow zoomie or mud wallow. The Zoo has committed to the conservation of bison. Mary Ann’s legacy, along with several other animals, was documented by the National Geographic Photo Ark.
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OKC Zoo Announces Death of Geriatric American Bison, “Mary Ann
The Oklahoma City Zoo has announced the passing of “Mary Ann,” a beloved geriatric American bison who had been a fixture at the zoo for nearly three decades. She was one of the oldest bison in any zoo in the United States, having lived to the age of 25.
Mary Ann, who had been in declining health for some time, passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021. Her passing has left a hole in the hearts of the zoo staff, who have grown to love her over the years. Mary Ann had become a symbol of the enduring spirit of the American bison, which was brought back from the brink of extinction through careful conservation efforts.
The OKC Zoo has released a statement announcing Mary Ann’s passing, which read in part, “She was a beautiful animal who lived a long and happy life here at the zoo. We are privileged to have had her as a part of our family for so long, and we will miss her deeply.”
A Monumental Life
Mary Ann was born in 1996 at the Bronx Zoo in New York and was one of a dozen bison that were part of the zoo’s breeding program. In 1999, she was transferred to the Oklahoma City Zoo where she had lived ever since. Over the years, she had become one of the zoo’s most popular attractions and was always a favorite of visitors.
Despite her advanced age, Mary Ann remained active and engaged with her surroundings. She had become something of a matriarch among the other bison in the zoo’s herd and had been known to take an interest in the younger calves that had been born in recent years. Her passing has left a void in the herd that will be felt for some time to come.
Bison Conservation Efforts
The American bison is an iconic species that is woven into the fabric of American history. At one time, these majestic beasts roamed the prairies and grasslands of North America by the millions, but their populations were decimated by overhunting and habitat loss in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, through careful conservation efforts, the bison has made a comeback. There are now over 500,000 bison in the United States, many of which live on private ranches and conservancies. Zoos like the OKC Zoo play an important role in bison conservation efforts by providing a safe haven for the animals, educating the public about their importance, and participating in breeding programs to ensure the survival of the species.
A Legacy of Hope
Mary Ann’s passing marks the end of an era at the OKC Zoo. For nearly 30 years, she was a beloved member of the zoo family and had helped to inspire countless visitors with her majestic beauty and resilience. Her legacy will live on, however, as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American bison and the importance of conservation efforts in protecting these magnificent animals for future generations to enjoy.
The OKC Zoo has stated that they intend to honor Mary Ann’s memory by continuing their work to protect and conserve the bison species. They also encourage visitors to take a moment to reflect on the powerful legacy of this animal and the important role that zoos and conservationists play in preserving the world’s wildlife.
