The Survivor (life-size bison)

The story of the American bison is one of resilience, endurance, and survival against overwhelming odds. Once roaming freely across the Great Plains in herds of up to 30 million, the bison faced relentless challenges from overhunting and habitat loss. By the late 19th century, their numbers dwindled to fewer than 1,000—a stark reminder of nature’s fragility and the consequences of human action.

Today, as we celebrate the bison’s remarkable recovery, we’re reminded of our own struggles. Much like the bison, we face our own hardships—whether personal, societal, or environmental. In the face of adversity, the spirit represented in Gibby’s powerful sculpture, “The Survivor,” resonates deeply with the human experience. It captures not just survival, but the strength and tenacity that we all possess to overcome life’s obstacles.

As we reflect on both the bison’s journey and our own, we can draw inspiration from these remarkable creatures to persevere, adapt, and thrive in the face of challenges.