Denver’s Bison herd at Genesee Park is known worldwide. Colorado residents and visitors have been stopping at today’s Interstate 70 exit 254 for over 80 years to view the creatures that symbolize the American West. Mount Vernon Canyon citizens keep a watchful protective eye on their bison neighbors.

The dismal history of the American Bison is well documented. By the 1820s, buffalo hides were the primary "product" sold by Native Americans. Road and railroad development brought thousands of Anglos that slaughtered bison as sport. Drought and lack of relocation land also took out many.

Nickel the buffalo, after his horns were removed.

Eighty years after the Louisiana Purchase, more than 25 million Bison had been exterminated. By 1893, only five herds totaling about 500 wild mountain bison had survived. Congress passed a law in 1894 to protect four small herds at Yellowstone National Park. A national crusade to breed and restore bison in 1905 saved the sturdy legendary animals.

Nickel’s first site of life was of Marty and Kindra who cared for him as ranchers would any motherless calf. The Homola pet dogs became the little bison’s playful companions between bottle feedings every two hours.

Nickel as a youngster	Nickel and Kendra, 1986

This very special bison assumed he was part of the human herd. He preferred being near the fence next to people. In 1994, Nickel assumed a boy sitting on top of the bison fence had beckoned him to play. He gladly bumped the fence and the boy fell. Marty was ordered to put the bison to sleep or remove his horns, which are open to the animal’s brain. The loss of his horns seemed to break his spirit, but by 1995, the bone had grown to cover the holes in his skull and Nickel rejoined the herd, returning close to people at the fence.

Residents who knew of Nickel’s survival stopped often to tell him how sorry they were, and the special bison seemed to understand their love and respect.

When Nickel died in early 1999, and the sad news of his death passed around the community, one Ralston Elementary student said, "Nickel can now have his horns back!"

Bouquets of flowers were placed on the buffalo fence by residents. Native Americans gave feathered fetishes to assist Nickel’s passage to the next world. Marty and Kindra received bereavement cards and flowers. The Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News, and Canyon Courier published stories of his January 24, 1999 passing.

Indian fetishes left by Native Americans, in remembrance of Nickel.

The story of Nickel is captured in a wonderful children’s book written by Mt. Vernon Country Club resident Nancy Savage and illustrated by her sister, Kathy Parks.

She published it in December, 1998, just one month before the buffalo died. Nickel remains in the hearts of every reader of his story and the 9,000 local residents who treasured him.