Sep 15, 2009 4 min read

A rare white buffalo born at the Woodland Zoo in Farmington nearly three years ago is getting a new home. The male buffalo, named Kenahkihinen, which means “watch over us,” is moving to the Wildlife Academy at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa less than five miles away, along with a female black buffalo that currently lives at the zoo.

Chris Plummer, assistant general manager, said Monday that plans are to have the two buffaloes in the possession of Nemacolin Woodlands by Oct. 1. He said accommodations are being made at the Wildlife Academy to accommodate two male buffalo. A white male buffalo, “Snowball,” currently lives at the resort.

Plummer said an American Indian interpretive center is being developed so people can learn about the significance of the white buffalo. He said anyone could visit the resort and learn about the animals.

Plummer said other animals from the zoo, including two bears, are also going to be living at the resort. He said other smaller animals from the zoo would be acquired as well.

According to the resort’s Web site, the Wildlife Academy at Nemacolin is dedicated to providing interactive entertainment and live animal programs with an emphasis on education. The resort features lions, leopards, two-toed sloths, alligators, snapping turtles and a moose, to name a few in the collection of nearly 100 species.

The new baby animals include a baby emu, llama, miniature horse and camel.

Plummer said there is a petting zoo called “Billy Goat Mountain” that features 20 baby goats and other animals such as camel and llama, and some of the smaller animals from the Woodland Zoo will be living there.

The white buffalo, nicknamed “Kenny,” was born Nov. 12, 2006. The birth drew interest from the American Indian community because of the rarity and significance of the animal in American Indian lore.

The belief of the sacred white buffalo comes from the American Indian legend of the White Buffalo Woman, the prophetess who was sent to her people by the Creator to teach them how to communicate with the deity through the prayer pipe.

Hawk Goodfire, now living at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, had been living with the animals – the white male and the younger black female – since they were born. He said he would continue to do the work of his people.

A “giveaway ceremony” will be held sometime in October to acknowledge the buffalo’s new home. Goodfire said the ceremony would be held as soon as it can be arranged.

He said the Buffalo Messengers would assist Nemacolin Woodlands in welcoming these two sacred animals to their new home.

“Elders have been contacted from many nations, including the Delaware, Absentee Shawnee, Lakota and Onondaga. These visiting elders will conduct the ceremonies needed, and everyone will be invited to be here. Nemacolin wants to insure everything is done correctly, with respect to our traditions and culture. In this way, Nemacolin will host a thank-you ceremony. This is also referred to as a wopila ceremony, a potlatch or give away,” Goodfire said.

“This is wonderful news,” Goodfire said of Nemacolin Woodlands taking the buffalo.

He said the white bison is “very, very rare” and sacred to his people.

Goodfire said he first learned on July 23 that the Woodland Zoo would be closing and he has been attempting to find a new home for the buffalo since that time.

“The zoo is closing,” Goodfire said.

Woodland Zoo owner Sonny Herring has refused to comment.

Goodfire said he is thankful that Joseph A. Hardy III, his daughter, Maggie Hardy Magerko, and Nemacolin’s manager Trey Matheu have come together with Buffalo Messengers to provide for the two sacred animals.