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‘Blue’ the baby buffalo died being stepped on at PA preserve. His herd held a ‘wake’

Friends of the South Park Buffalo Preserve

A baby buffalo suffered a tragic death at a Pennsylvania animal preserve, leading to an emotional “buffalo wake” among the herd.

Friends of the South Park Buffalo Preserve, located in Allegheny County, said the baby buffalo named Blue died Tuesday, June 6.

Blue was “accidentally stepped on” and quickly died from his injuries, the group said. It called his death “unspeakable and tragic.”

“This type of accident is an unfortunate reality with the buffalo or their cattle relatives but just not now, and not to our little Boy Blue,” the group said on Facebook. “We were with him for two hours today. He was fine, being his own independent self but interacting, drinking water, feeding, walking around, headed down to his normal hiding spot.”

The group honored Blue by placing a wreath over a fence in the preserve. As the wreath was hung, they witnessed a “buffalo wake” that lasted nearly two hours.

Blue’s mom, Lily, also took part in the wake.

“They all took turns coming over to the spot Blue passed, taking long breaths to breathe in what remained of Blue’s aroma,” the group said. “It was especially heartbreaking to witness Blue’s mom Lily return to the spot, sniff and then grunt very loudly for her special boy Blue.”

It was “unusual” for the buffalo to all gather in the same spot, the group said, but it called it heartwarming to see them “remember their special buddy Blue.”

The people who watched the wake were tearful as they watched Lily continue to look for her son, who she may not have realized had died.

Lily’s search encompassed the entire hill of their land, as well as the feeding area and later Blue’s favorite hiding spot.

“Finally, apparently dejected, she slowly headed back up the hill,” according to the Facebook post. “We thought she was finally headed to bed, but turned halfway up to stop, turn around and search again. It’s going to be a long night for our first time mom after such a tragic day.”

Blue was remembered by Friends of the South Park Buffalo Preserve for his “unique, one-of-a-kind personality.”

“May our Baby Boy Blue live in our hearts and memories forever,” the group said. “He was truly a special gift that brought the community together, made us laugh and made us smile.”

The South Park Game Preserve encompasses more than 2,000 acres, KDKA reported. Bison have roamed the land for 100 years.

South Park Township is a southern suburb of Pittsburgh.