Jim Sautner, the Buffalo Whisperer was a Canadian rancher who raised a 2,000-pound bison named Bailey D. Buffalo like a family dog.
Jim Sautner, affectionately known as “The Buffalo Whisperer,” was a Canadian rancher from Spruce Grove, Alberta, renowned for raising a 2,000-pound bison named Bailey D. Buffalo as a family pet.
The story began when Sautner and his wife, Linda, adopted Bailey Jr. after the death of their previous bison, Bailey Sr. They bottle-fed the calf and integrated him into their daily lives. Bailey Jr. became a local celebrity, known for his gentle demeanor and surprising house manners.
Sautner’s unique bond with Bailey captivated many, as he treated the massive animal much like a domestic dog. Bailey lived inside the Sautner home, rode shotgun in a specially modified red Pontiac Parisienne convertible, and even accompanied Jim to local bars, occasionally enjoying a beer or root beer.
He would watch TV, sniff coats in the closet to distinguish between Jim’s and Linda’s, and had even been inside a china shop without causing any damage.
Bailey died in an accident in 2008 at Jim and Linda’s farm. Sautner was devastated by the loss, but had his spirits lifted through the adoption of a second orphaned bison soon after, who he named Bailey Junior.
Sautner’s dedication to his bison extended beyond companionship; he became an advocate for bison care and awareness.
His story was featured in various media outlets, highlighting the extraordinary relationship between man and beast. Jim Sautner passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy that challenged perceptions of human-animal relationships.
