MEDIA ALERT

CONTACT:

MARY DIXON 1-347-840-1242, mdixon@wcs.org

HISTORIC VOTE: US HOUSE AND SENATE VOTE TO MAKE BISON US NATIONAL MAMMAL

HOUSE VOTED APRIL 26; SENATE VOTED TONIGHT – APRIL 28

ACT NOW GOING TO PRESIDENT TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL

WCS BRONX ZOO HAS BEEN LONG-TIME PARTNER IN EFFORTS TO PREVENT BISON FROM GOING EXTINCT

TO READ FULL RELEASE GO TO WCS NEWSROOM AT:  http://bit.ly/24jXDIq

Cristián Samper, WCS President and CEO, said: “The National Bison Legacy Act is a milestone in a long journey by WCS, its flagship Bronx Zoo, and many other partners to prevent the bison from going extinct and to recognize the bison’s ecological, cultural, historical and economic importance to the United States.”

John Calvelli, WCS Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, said: “The adoption of bison as our National Mammal represents a validation of the many meaningful ways this animal represents America. As an ecological keystone, cultural bedrock and economic driver, the bison conveys values such as unity, resilience and commitment to healthy landscapes and communities. Bison takes a place alongside the bald eagle as a national symbol to be revered.”

Jim Stone, Executive Director of the Inter Tribal Buffalo Council, said: “The recognition of the buffalo as the National Mammal shows the cross cultural stature of this iconic animal and for tribes will allow us to expand our work on reintroducing buffalo into our day to day lives. The buffalo has had a special place in the lives of tribal people since time immemorial and played important roles in our culture, religion and lifestyle. Now buffalo have become a part of the fabric of tribal life once again, created the foundation for an economic movement based on healthy food choices and provided conservation groups opportunities to expand the habitat for the species.”

Dave Carter, Executive Director of the National Bison Association, said: “The National Mammal declaration not only recognizes the historic role of bison in America, it celebrates the resurgence of bison as an important part of the American environment, diet, and an emerging part of the agricultural economy.”

Keith Aune, WCS Senior Conservationist and Bison Program Coordinator, said: “Finally we are placing this symbolic creature in proper perspective by recognizing its many values to the American people both past and present. The passage of this bill not only recognizes the historic significance of bison but signals the beginning of a grand American adventure to carry out ecological, economic and cultural restoration of American bison into the future. The National Bison Legacy Act assures that bison stories will be shared each year to inspire future generations.  The American bison truly stands out among all North American mammals and deserves to be our National Mammal.”