Kenahkihinén facts for kids

Kenahkihinén (pronounced Kĕ-Nah‛-Ki-Nĕn) was a very special white buffalo. His name comes from the Lenape language and means 'Watch Over Us'. He was born on November 12, 2006, at The Woodland Zoo & More in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Kenahkihinén was unique because he was a pure buffalo, not a leucistic (pale-colored), albino (lacking pigment), or a beefalo (a mix of cow and buffalo). Many Native Americans consider white buffalo like Kenahkihinén to be sacred animals. He lived at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington until his passing on December 18, 2021.

A Special Birth

Kenahkihinén's birth was very unusual. He was born a pure white buffalo. In August 2007, another buffalo was born at The Woodland Zoo & More. This was a black female, and her birth also happened under the same special circumstances.

A Sacred Blessing

On April 14, 2007, a special ceremony took place for Kenahkihinén. A group from the Lakota tribe came to bless him. Their leader, David Swallow, spoke about how important white buffalo are. He explained that a white buffalo appears when there is a great need in the world. It comes to give a warning and to offer hope.

A New Home

In September 2009, The Woodland Zoo & More closed down. All the animals, including Kenahkihinén and the black female buffalo, were put up for auction. Luckily, in October 2009, both buffalo found a new home. They were moved to the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. The resort created a large, fifty-acre area just for these two sacred animals.

Thanking Their Protectors

On November 14, 2009, another ceremony was held at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Many people gathered, including Nagi White Owl from the Cherokee tribe and leaders from the Lakota tribe. This ceremony was to thank Joseph Hardy of 84 Lumber and Maggie Hardy Magerko of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. They were thanked for giving Kenahkihinén and his companion a safe new home.

See also

• The White Buffalo Calf Woman of Lakota myth