I've just learned that he was the buffalo who charged the young indian boy, after being fed oreos.
Posted on 02/02/2006 6:40:25 PM PST by SJackson
Heidi Clausen Regional Editor
HOUSTON, MINN. — Cody the buffalo, made famous by appearing in the award-winning movie “Dances with Wolves,” has moved on to greener pastures.
The 19-year-old buffalo was diagnosed a few weeks ago with kidney failure after his caretakers, Mike Fogel and Valerie Shannon, noticed the normally big eater wasn’t finishing his feed.
Because dialysis and kidney transplants aren’t available for livestock, treatment wasn’t an option.
Seeing his growing pain, the couple made decided to have Cody euthanized Jan. 26.
He was buried at Money Creek Buffalo Ranch near Houston with a bag of Oreos — his favorite treat — beside him, Ms. Shannon said. Atop his grave rests the first-place trophy he won at the Caledonia Sesquicentennial.
Although he’d lost much of his appetite at the end, he still had room for Oreos, Ms. Shannon said.
“That’s what he lived for. He’d do anything for an Oreo,” she said.
Even during recent days while hospitalized, Cody could be calmed by the crinkling of an Oreo bag.
“He was a real trouper,” Ms. Shannon said.
Cody was one-of-a-kind, she said, and he will be remembered for his kind eyes and powerful presence.
“There are some big holes in our hearts,” she said. “We don’t think there will be another Cody, not even in the animals we’re working with. He was wired differently.”
Mr. Fogel and Ms. Shannon raise 200 to 300 bison for meat and entertainment purposes.
Born July 4, 1986, in Cody, Wyo., Cody was rejected by his mother and adopted by Mr. Fogel, who took the calf into his home and cared for him as a pet.
Cody got his big break into show business during an appearance at the Minnesota State Fair when an agent noticed his calm demeanor.
On the set of “Dances With Wolves,” Oreos were used to coax Cody to perform stunts. His owners had tried marshmallows but found Oreos didn’t melt and were easier to carry on the set, Ms. Shannon said.
Since that movie, Cody has starred in Radio Flyer and in commercials for Subway, KFC and Energizer. Last year, he was asked to witness the unveiling of the U.S. Mint’s American bison nickel in Washington D.C.
He recently appeared at the Remax convention in Denver, where the company’s chief executive officer rode him on stage.
He also appeared frequently in parades and at schools and nursing homes, where fans rarely failed to bring him Oreos. Tour groups frequently visited the farm to see him.
“He was known and loved internationally,” Ms. Shannon said. “We feel like people really want to know about him.”
A museum is being planned at the ranch to honor Cody. Anyone with photographs or memorabilia they would like to contribute can contact Money Creek Buffalo Ranch at (507) 896-2345
What, Michael Moore or Ted Kennedy couldn't have helped out!
Big tatanka!
I've just learned that he was the buffalo who charged the young indian boy, after being fed oreos.
God Speed, Cody.
I remember a Harvey Wallbanger Jr.
They would put this buffalo out on a horse track and he would race a old beat up horse for about 50 yards and win. the horse's names was something like the gray ghost.
Pretty interesting show they put on.
Maybe all of the Oreos wrecked his liver.
A pity. One of the best meals I ever had was buffalo osso buco.
-ccm
That's ribs or shanks slow roasted or braised? That would be good.
What a sweet animal
How old do bison get?
You can eat the bone marrow too, it's much better tasting than you'd think if you had never tried it. Just like foie gras, it's all the fat that makes it so delicious. I scoop it out and mix it with my mashed potatoes.
-ccm
Some day people will gather together to recount where they were and what they were doing the day they heard Cody The Buffalo died.
Don't know.
As to sweet, I never knew who he was till today. But I remember the scene. Now I'd like to know how they shot it.
I was posting an article about Cody on FreeRepublic.
I was posting a reply to an article posted on Free Republic.
One of the worst movies I've ever seen. The buffalo was undoubtedly the most appealing character in it.
what i read was that he loved oreos so much all they had to do was put a plate of them down and he would come charging towards them. lol THAT was how they got that scene. with a dish of cookies.
T-bone Cody. Yummmmmmm!
Marinade for 48 hours in salt, pepper, fresh garlic, fresh taragon and oregano.
Slow bake until tender.
10 times better than beef.
Yum! Yum! Yum!
Cody, I want you.
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