South Park welcomes Jacobi, a new bison calf with deep family roots
A new bison calf has arrived at South Park Game Preserve this week. Named Jacobi, the birth marks another milestone for the long-standing herd. The animals have roamed the preserve since 1927, when they were first introduced to the area. The preserve’s bison population now spans three generations. Rosie, a seasoned member of the herd, has watched four of her calves grow up. Her latest grandchild, Jacobi, was born to Alice, making this the younger bison’s first offspring.
The herd’s history traces back nearly a century. In 1927, Allegheny County acquired 36 bison from General Harry C. Trexler’s farm. Eighteen of them were paraded through Downtown Pittsburgh on December 9 that year before settling into their new home. A county council motion in 2001 later ensured the bison would remain in South Park permanently. Though often called buffalo, the animals are technically bison—a distant but distinct relative. Jacobi joins Denali, another calf born in March to Rosie, expanding the preserve’s multi-generational family.
The arrival of Jacobi strengthens the preserve’s bison population. With three generations now present, the herd continues its legacy in South Park. The county’s 2001 decision guarantees their place in the area for years to come.
