JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The National Buffalo Museum of Jamestown has announced that White Cloud has returned home to Shirek Buffalo in Michigan, North Dakota.

White Cloud (Mahpiya Ska in Lakota Sioux) returned home on Saturday, May 21st. White Cloud was born July 10th, 1996 at Shirek Buffalo. The Shirek family wanted her to be more visible to the public and made a special arrangement with the Museum for her to live with the bison herd on the plains in Jamestown.

Over 20 years, White Cloud had 11 bison calves including one named Dakota Miracle. White Cloud was returned to Shirek Buffalo because her life expectancy is unknown. Typically, a bison can live in captivity on average of 20 to 25 years.

“We are aware of her health. Summers are hard on her. As an albino, she can’t regulate her body temperature as well in the heat. Shirek Buffalo can care for her during the summer in ways we can’t in Jamestown,” says Don Williams, President of the National Buffalo Museum’s board.

A release from the Museum states that they are sad to see White Cloud leave.

“White Cloud has become a special part of the Jamestown community, and we will miss her as part of the museum’s live herd. It’s estimated over 3 million visitors have stopped to see White Cloud during the 19 years she’s been in Jamestown.”