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Kenahkihinén facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Kenahkihinén (pronounced Kĕ-Nah‛-Ki-Nĕn), whose name means 'Watch Over Us' in the Lenape language, was a special male white buffalo. 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 an albino (lacking all color), leucistic (having reduced color), or a beefalo (a mix of cattle and buffalo).

White buffalo are very rare. Because of his unusual birth and rare color, many Native Americans considered Kenahkihinén a sacred animal. He lived at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington until he passed away on December 18, 2021.

In August 2007, a black female buffalo was also born at The Woodland Zoo & More under similar special circumstances. She became Kenahkihinén's companion.

A Sacred Blessing

On April 14, 2007, Kenahkihinén received a special blessing. A group from the Lakota tribe, led by David Swallow, came to honor him. David Swallow explained how important white buffalo are to Native American beliefs. He shared that the appearance of a white buffalo often signals a time when people need to pay attention and work together. It can be seen as a message of hope and a call for peace during difficult times.

A New Home

In September 2009, The Woodland Zoo & More closed its doors. All the animals, including Kenahkihinén and his black buffalo companion, were put up for auction.

Luckily, in October 2009, both buffalo were bought by Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. The resort created a large, fifty-acre sanctuary just for them. This new home gave them plenty of space to live and roam.

On November 14, 2009, a special ceremony was held at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Many people, including Nagi White Owl (a Cherokee elder), C'anupa Gluha Mani of Cante Tenza (a Lakota leader), Louis Janis, Mary Johnson, Gerald Ice, Starr Hill, and Harvey Arden, gathered for the event. This ceremony was a way to thank Joseph Hardy of 84 Lumber and Maggie Hardy Magerko of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. They were thanked for providing a safe and loving new home for these two sacred animals.

See also

External links

  • Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
  • Buffalo Messengers
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