Here Come the Bison!

         Today we had the incredible opportunity to participate in the bison round-up at the Fort Worth Nature Center. I have been looking forward to this ever since first hearing about it, and the experience surpassed any expectations I had.  Participating in a bison round-up is something I likely never would have done if it were not for this opportunity, and likely will never have a chance to do again, so this truly was a once in a lifetime experience for me.

        When we arrived to the nature center, we were greeted by the staff and informed that the vet was running about an hour behind. The staff member talked about how at first the vet was going to be early, then late, as well as how the vet's clinic was currently very understaffed so it was difficult to coordinate a day with him in the first place. This discussion was surprising to me, as I am used to the business world in which the time you give is the time you are expected, no matter the circumstances. This made me realize, though, that the business industry can afford to be that way due to the ample resources it has, whereas nonprofit organizations like the nature center do not have as much control and have to be much more flexible and accommodating with their partners. I also was impressed at how many volunteers they had to assist with the bison roundup. I expected the round-up to be completely run by staff with us simply observing behind a fence, so I was shocked that there were both other volunteers and that we would all be playing an active role in the round-up. I found it amazing to see how this event brings together a community of people who are all passionate about nature and animals.

        As we were waiting, I had the opportunity to talk with several of the staff members and volunteers. As I was talking with one of the staff members, he asked me about logistics for the nature center hiring unpaid interns, with specific interest in getting a marketing intern since he says they currently do not have anyone on the team with those skills. This discussion was surprising to me because, while he was teaching me about nature and the round-up, I was actually able to teach him things about the business and internship world. I think this conversation is a great example of the benefits a course like this can have, in which it brings together people of all different backgrounds and experiences to learn and grow from one another. Additionally, in this time I also had the opportunity to talk with a frequent volunteer for the nature center, during which he even brought over a scorpion he had found under a log (see picture 1). I personally was slightly terrified to see it, but it also was cool to see this species that I had heard so much about in person. 

Picture 1: Scorpion

       Once some anticipation had been built up, the vet finally arrived and we were able to get started with the round-up! My assigned role was to manage one of the gates on the 'shoot' that the bison went through right before getting to the vet's location (see picture 2 for the area I was working). 

Picture 2: The area I was working the gates

        It was incredible to watch the whole process it entailed in order to get bison to the vet, as I had  never previously considered how truly difficult such a seemingly easy task would be. First, one of the staff members would gradually bring the bison in small groups of about five to the gated area. Then, one at a time they would gradually be pushed through a series of gates, until eventually they got to the "tub" and were sent through the final shoot up to the vet. Throughout this entire process, all of the volunteers had to be coordinated through constant communication to ensure they were ready for each next step, as if not there could be some major consequences. When I was not actively having to work my gate, I was able to squat down and look through the fences to see the bison at the various spots along the route (see picture 3). Additionally, I got to watch the bison be freed after the vet, which was really enjoyable because you could see their relief as they got to run back into nature (see picture 4). However, it was difficult to be in my location because I was able to hear and see how upset the animals would get once they were trapped at the vet, as they clearly did not enjoy being trapped or getting their shots and other necessary treatments. However, I had to remind myself that all of this was for their benefit to ensure that they could continue living healthy and high-quality lives.

Picture 3: Watching the bison through the fence

Picture 4: The bison runs home to nature

        Overall, this day was an amazing and unique experience that I likely never would have gotten to do if it were not for taking this course. It definitely was a day that pushed me out of my comfort zone in many ways, such as seeing the scorpion, but it also allowed me to learn so much about bison and the nature center in general. I am excited to return to the nature center this Wednesday for our final day of volunteering!

Thank you for reading!

Emily