Hutchinson Zoo
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved animals, the 18-year-old American Bison, “Norman.” A well-known resident in the community and the Zoo, the male bison was humanely euthanized due to complications with long-term health issues.
Dan and Shirley Power donated Norman to the Hutchinson Zoo in September 2021. Power purchased Norman from Hedricks Exotic Animal Farm when he was a calf. Norman lived at the Powers' home on North Monroe for 15 years. “I had always wanted to have a bison, and this opportunity became available to our family,” said Power. When Dan and Shirley bought a new home a few years ago, they had to face the decision to move Norman to a new place.
In early 2022, Zoo Staff noticed that Norman was losing weight and worked closely with Dr. David Harder at Prairie Vista Veterinary Hospital to manage symptoms and determine the cause. The Zoo utilized their staff’s skills and support from behavioral training consultants to do a voluntary blood draw on Norman in less than 24 hours. “Because of Norman’s trust in us and the skills of our team, we accomplished something that we believe had not been done with bison in a human-care setting,” said Hutchinson Zoo Director Nicole Mantz. “We gave Norman the choice to participate in his health care, something not often found in bison management.”
From the bloodwork, the Zoo learned that Norman had a protein-losing disorder. Staff and veterinarians consulted other zoo vets and industry professionals to provide the best support and medication to manage his symptoms for over two years. Staff used training sessions to monitor his weight closely, administer medication, obtain subsequent blood for testing, and even trim his hooves, all voluntarily. “Through our collaborations and sharing Norman’s story, more than the Hutchinson/Reno County community and Zoo guests have fallen in love with Norman. Experts across the country have volunteered their time to help make him as comfortable as possible in his remaining years,” said Mantz.
The collective love and support made a significant difference in Norman's life. When a new guest came to see the bison, Norman would be the first to greet them. His remarkable personality made him a wonderful ambassador for his species, inspiring others to care for native wildlife. Norman’s light and energy will live in the Zoo’s mural at Splash River Nature Playscape; his hoofprint at the feeding station in the bison habitat and scientific presentations about his training will remind us how he helped revolutionize humane bison care. “While our staff feels the loss of any animal resident, we recognize Norman’s passing also resonates with our local and professional communities. He was very special to all of us and will be greatly missed.”