There is a bison at Buffalo Ridge Elementary
This taxidermy bison has a new home in the halls of Buffalo Ridge Elementary. A contest at the school will determine its name.
There is a new addition to the front hall at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE). The school was gifted a taxidermy bison (its mascot) that greets students, staff and guests as they approach the main office.
The bison’s journey to BRE was a little circuitous, but it arrived before the first day of school. The large bovid recently resided in a museum, but after the museum owner died, it was transferred to The Discovery Zoo in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
The Discovery Zoo’s caretaker, Paul Maunier, has a mission to donate all of the taxidermy mounts he has been given. He searched for schools in and around Nebraska and gifted the stuffed animals to schools with corresponding mascots.
In true Midwest fashion, Paul’s generous nature was matched by others. A trailer rental company in Scottsbluff donated the use of trailers to ship the mounts to their new homes.
While Castle Pines is a little farther afield than Paul’s search radius, he has a connection to BRE; his grandson Warren is a fourth-grade student here.
Students were surprised to see the bison at school, but it has quickly become a cherished part of the BRE culture.
“The reaction has been awesome! The students love to see him in the hall. They are definitely in awe of his size and appearance,” said principal Jen Murdock-Jacoway. “The buffalo embodies BRE’s identity, creating a sense of belonging and pride among the students and staff. Its presence in our school helps unify the school community.”
BRE is holding a naming contest, giving students the opportunity to bestow a fitting moniker to the bison.
BRE staff and students are grateful to Paul for several things, namely his thoughtfulness, time and coordination for making the bison’s new home a reality.
BRE principal Jen Murdock-Jacoway and fourth grade student Warren pose with the bison, generously donated to BRE by Warren’s grandfather.
Article and photos by Celeste McNeil
