Say hello to the newest Mall member: one of two giant bronze bison. Photograph: Courtesy Smithsonian Institution
There's a new herd on the Mall, and we're not talking cherry blossom tourists.
🦬 Driving the news: The Smithsonian just installed two larger-than-life bronze bison outside the Natural History Museum — permanent sculptures by renowned paleo-artist Gary Staab.
Why it matters: The bison, based on historic Smithsonian specimens, celebrate the comeback of America's national mammal, once near extinction.
By the numbers: The bovines clock in at 2,500 pounds each — 125% life-size.
They traveled over 1,600 miles from Colorado.
Fun fact: In the late 1800s, four real bison lived on the Mall — part of efforts to raise awareness of the threatened species.
What's next: The installation tees up Natural History's new exhibit, "Bison: Standing Strong," opening May 7.
Bison once lived behind the Smithsonian Castle. Photo: Courtesy Smithsonian Institution