Yellowstone National Park sprawls over the northwest corner of Wyoming into Montana and Idaho. What makes it such a landmark? Old Faithful Geyser spouting 100 feet into the air? More hot springs than any other place on Earth? How about a little white bison that arrived in early summer? 

That’s right. A white bison was born on June 4. That happens in the wild only once in a million births. 

The cream-colored calf is the first recorded of its kind in the park’s history. Yellowstone is one of the last sanctuaries for free-roaming American bison.

Problem: No person has seen the pearly critter since early June. 

That didn’t stop Native American leaders from holding a sacred ceremony. They named the newborn Wakan Gli. (This means “Returns Sacred” in Lakota.) 

A Lakota prophecy says the birth of a white bison is both a blessing and a warning. Some Native Americans believe the rare animal points to better times ahead. They also take it as a signal to protect the Earth and animals. 

Chief Arvol Looking Horse led the ceremony. The New York Times reports his claims about the prophecy. When the white calf stands on the Earth again, “many white animals will be born all over the Earth.” The chief adds, “Mother Earth is sick and has a fever, and she’s going to speak to these white animals for peace and harmony.” 

It isn’t likely white animals will be born around the globe. And Earth can’t speak or have afever. But we can care for God’s Earth. God gave Adam and Eve good work. He told them to labor towards the flourishing of His creation. Christians can prayerfully work to be wise stewards of His handiwork.

Why? There are many prophecies and cultural traditions in the world. Christians rely on the Bible to show us what is true. The Holy Spirit equips us to serve people and creation.