Buffalo a la Suisse

Buffalo a la Suisse : Collex, CH

I have a new bus stop I use for my commute to work now. To get to it, I have to walk past a corral full of buffalo. My understanding from other expats is these are actually imported North American bison, but they're a little on the small side compared to their American cousins, which makes me wonder if they aren't European wisents. Either way, it's very amusing to see buffalo in Europe.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Oh, Give Me a Home... + 1,000th Photo Blog Post!

Buffalo roam the farmland of Switzerland : Collex, CH

Growing up in the States, the American bison looms as a large figure in Western legend involving cowboys, Indians, fur traders, and the expansion of America across the Mississippi River. Oddly, Switzerland has buffalo, too. While these are a bit off in the distance (click on image to enlarge), this little herd, that included a few calves, were enjoying the summer sun.

Today is also my 1,000th photo blog post and my 200th post on this particular photo blog. I started this little adventure on Saturday, May 12, 2007 and posted my first photo on Sunday, May 13, 2007. My initial focus was Washington, D.C., and its environs. In the process, I've traveled twice across the United States and relocated to Europe for what started out as a temporary job. In January of this year, I started this blog to cover the area where I'm currently living, working, and traveling. Thanks to everyone who's joined in the journey. It's been fun and I look forward to the next 1,000 posts!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/10

Buffalo a la Geneva

North American Bison roam the farmland north of the airport : Colovrex, CH

When I first arrived in Switzerland and France, I mentioned to some friends that I'd seen some North American buffalo not far from the airport. A well-meaning and often knowledgeable friend back in the States informed me that more than likely what I had seen were not buffalo from America, but wisents--their European cousins. Having seen buffalo in the States, I was pretty sure these were the same, but didn't contradict because, well, why the hell would there be American buffalo in Switzerland?!

A home where the buffalo roam... Across the street in Switzerland. : Colovrex, CH

Turns out, I was actually right for once. These are, indeed, buffalo from North America. They were brought here by a guy named Laurent Girardet in 1990 and the herd has grown to 150 animals spread out across several fields in Colovrex northeast of Geneva International Airport. How long they'll remain an attraction on the road from Ferney-Voltaire to Geneva is a question. According to this article, written a year ago, not long. (And yet, they remain. Yeah!) For the time being, at least, they're a popular, though unusual, attraction to be found across the street in Swtizerland!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 1/10