WAHPETON, N.D. (AP) - The zoo in Wahpeton has a new animal that's considered spiritually significant in several Native American religions.
The Chahinkapa Zoo has acquired a white bison named Ska from a ranch in Selfridge. Ska is named for the Native American word for white.
The yearling weighs between 600 and 700 pounds. Zoo curator Tom Schmaltz says Ska is unique because he's the product of recessive genes. White bison are rare. But Ska is not considered a true albino because he doesn't have pink eyes.
Ska shares zoo space with three other bison. Schmaltz says they get along great because bison are herd animals and like living together.
The herd also includes Corso, which has served as the mascot of the North Dakota State University football team.
