White buffalo born after herd survives Royal Gorge fire

Smokey and mom, Brownie
Smokey and mom, Brownie (Photo: Tracy Bandera/Royal Gorge Bridge and Park)

To many Native Americans, a white buffalo is a good omen. So perhaps the birth of a white buffalo in Royal Gorge Park bodes well for the area’s recovery after last week’s devastating fire.

Smokey, a bull calf, was born Saturday as the fire was being brought under control. He’s the newest member of a small herd that managed to survive in a cleared area as flames swept through the park. Some 3,200 acres burned around both ends of the famous Royal Gorge Bridge, and 48 of the park’s 52 structures were destroyed. The historic bridge, however, remained relatively untouched with only a few of its 1,000 wooden planks scorched.

Here’s hoping Smokey’s arrival means a speedy recovery for the park and the area’s economy.

18 thoughts on “White buffalo born after herd survives Royal Gorge fire

    1. Will do. Maybe the good karma is working already. There’s some sort of whitewater event scheduled for this weekend along the river there, and it is going ahead as planned. (All rafting was suspended during the fire.)

  1. I swear PT, sometimes it seems like Mother Nature is just determined to spoil our efforts to maintain permanent settlements in otherwise wild environs. Let’s hope that Smokey’s birth truly is a good omen! 😀

    “It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words, “And this too, shall pass away.” How much it expresses! How chastening in the hour of pride! How consoling in the depths of affliction!” ― Abraham Lincoln | Quotes About Impermanence

    1. Indeed, everything passes in time. I just wish Mother Nature would stop trying to hurry the process. Maybe Smokey is her way of apologizing for this lightning-caused fire.

      1. Smoke’s not been a problem since Black Forest fire was controlled. Smoke from the zillion other fires has not been visible in Denver. Bracing for some heat at the end of the week. Ugh.

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