Residents of Spruce Grove, Alberta, frequently witnessed an American bison riding shotgun in a modified sedan. Jim Sautner, known as the “Buffalo Whisperer,” shared his daily life and his home with Bailey Jr., a bison weighing 1,800 pounds (816 kg).
This enormous animal did not live in a standard pasture. Instead, he watched television in the living room, rode through town in a custom car, and visited the local pub. The daily routine of Sautner and his massive pet captured global attention and redefined animal domestication.
An Orphaned Calf Becomes a House Guest
Jim Sautner and his wife Linda adopted Bailey Jr. after the calf was orphaned at a very young age. Sautner bottle-fed the young bison, establishing a close bond from the beginning. As Bailey grew, he was treated like a typical indoor pet.
The bison learned to carefully navigate the Sautner family home, walking through the living room and interacting with the furniture. Despite growing to a height of 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a length of over 10 feet (3.0 meters), the animal remained exceptionally docile indoors. He frequently stood inside the house, occasionally resting his heavy head on Jim’s lap while Jim watched television.
The Custom Pontiac Parisienne
To transport his enormous companion, Sautner required a specialized vehicle. He acquired a 1987 Pontiac Parisienne sedan and heavily modified it to accommodate the bison’s massive frame. Sautner cut away the roof on the right side of the car, removed the passenger seat, and reinforced the suspension to handle the extreme weight. He also removed the passenger-side windshield.
Bailey Jr. learned to approach the vehicle, step carefully into the customized passenger compartment, and stand calmly while Sautner drove. The pair traveled down the streets of Spruce Grove, with the bison’s large head protruding completely out of the open roof.
A Drink at the Local Pub
Bailey Jr. also accompanied Sautner on various social outings. The pair routinely visited a local pub in their hometown. The establishment allowed the 1,800-pound (816 kg) bison to walk directly through the front doors and approach the bar.
Sautner would order a beer and pour it into a bowl for Bailey, who drank it alongside the regular patrons. The bison moved carefully among the tables and chairs, avoiding knocking over glasses or disturbing the customers. These public appearances cemented Jim Sautner’s unique nickname.
A Unique Cross-Species Bond
Sautner spent hours every day grooming, feeding, and interacting with Bailey Jr. He trained the animal using gentle vocal commands and physical cues. The bison responded to his name and followed Sautner’s instructions, whether they were walking through a crowded parking lot or maneuvering into the modified sedan.
The physical size and inherent danger of a fully grown bison necessitate extreme caution, yet Sautner handled the animal with the exact same approach used for a domesticated dog. They maintained this daily routine for years, navigating the human world together.