Two Eagle Buffalo Ranch welcomes new Buffalo, starts anew
Summary:
At Two Eagle Buffalo Ranch on Pine Ridge, a recent Buffalo transfer has expanded Virgil Two Eagle Sr.’s herd, strengthening genetic diversity and supporting long-term herd health. As the animals adjust and form a new herd, this moment reflects the broader effort to return Buffalo to Native lands while supporting ranchers and future caretakers.
Five Key Points:
Buffalo were transferred to Two Eagle Buffalo Ranch, expanding the herd
Increased genetic diversity supports stronger, healthier animals
Herd integration shows Buffalo adapting and forming new bonds
Supports the next generation learning Buffalo caretaking
Advances the return of Buffalo to Native lands and ranchers
Read longer story below.
Buffalo are part of a living tradition of generosity, and we saw that in action last year at the ranch of our rancher partner Virgil Two Eagle Sr.
At the end of 2025, Virgil’s newly renamed Two Eagle Buffalo Ranch on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota received Buffalo from retiring rancher Clifford Eugene Steeby in Oregon, Missouri. The transfer helped expand Virgil’s herd (he also previously received Buffalo from Rye, Colorado) and fulfilled a shared mission through Tanka Fund partners to return Buffalo to the lands, lives, and economies of Native ranchers.
“They are all beginning to become a family – they were total strangers,” he said. “As the weeks got on, they slowly came around each other.”
One of the best things a rancher can have is a herd with diverse DNA. Genetic diversity helps Buffalo better withstand disease, harsh weather, and environmental stress. When animals aren’t genetically similar, one illness or condition is less likely to impact the entire herd.
“The Buffalo from Missouri – they’re quite the trip!” Virgil said fondly. “They’re different and I’m glad they are different.”
He said that they now have a lot more room to roam and explore, remarking on the sturdiness and health of the animals. He is teaching the next generation about caretaking Buffalo and learning to stay safe with them. For example, the large bull he has now will “come straight for you” while shaking out cake to the herd, “he wants to be first!”
Sometimes they get a little too comfortable up close. Sometimes they can be too up close and comfortable.
“I’m just as scared of them as they are of me,” Virgil said. “They know they can take me out and I can take them out. We have that in common.”
With spring here, there may be some new calves coming, though that is still uncertain. Virgil believes some of the cows could be pregnant. His future plans for the land are donating a few bulls to harvest, increasing his herd, starting a nonprofit, and building a tanning building.
It’s not hard to hear the gratitude in Virgil’s voice when he speaks about doing the work that he does as a Buffalo caretaker. He said with amazement, “Who gets to do that? Who gets to live that life? Who gets to be with the Pte Oyate? I tell all my nephews that.”
