Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
Building a Sustainable Future for Bison and the American Prairie
The Wilds is forging a path toward bison conservation excellence through the creation of the North American Center for Bison Conservation.
This initiative will bring together the expertise of The Wilds staff, the Wildlife Restoration Foundation, federal and state natural resource agencies, and tribal entities to manage large-scale bison herds.
The American bison is a keystone species, helping to balance the abundance of plant and animal species in prairie habitat, which once covered over 142 million acres across the United States. Today, less than 5% of these prairies are estimated to remain, making the American prairie one of the most endangered ecosystems on earth.
In addition to contributing to a healthy grassland ecosystem, the American bison—the United States’ National Mammal—is a species with cultural and historical importance.
Why This Project is Important
- Biodiversity Preservation: The American bison plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity within its ecosystem. As a keystone species, bison influence the distribution and health of various plant and animal species through their grazing and browsing activities. Conserving the bison helps ensure the ecological balance of their habitat, supporting a diverse array of flora and fauna.
- Cultural and Historical Significance: The American bison holds immense cultural and historical importance for all Americans. Many parks and ranches conserve bison, and tribes aim to restore indigenous bison populations lost with westward expansion. The conservation of bison not only helps protect a species, but also preserves a vital component of North America's cultural heritage. Bison are iconic symbols of the American West and hold spiritual significance for many communities, making their preservation essential for cultural continuity.
- Ecosystem Restoration and Carbon Sequestration: Bison contribute to the restoration of ecosystems by influencing vegetation structure and promoting the health of grasslands. Their grazing behavior helps prevent the dominance of certain plant species, fostering a more diverse and resilient landscape. Additionally, well-managed bison populations can enhance carbon sequestration in grassland soils, mitigating the impacts of climate change. Conserving the American bison aligns with broader efforts to restore and maintain healthy ecosystems for the benefit of both wildlife and human populations.
See It In Action!
The Wilds, Wildlife Restoration Foundation (WRF), InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC), and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe have successfully relocated 74 bison from The Wilds conservation center in Ohio to the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. This significant transfer marks the first major achievement for The Wilds' steps in a new bison conservation plan and exemplifies a robust and collective commitment to both ecological and cultural preservation.
How You Can Help
Together with the scientific investigation and prairie restoration efforts that The Wilds is known for, this program is poised to become a leading model for bison conservation herd management in North American institutions, protecting the species while also preserving North America’s cultural heritage.
Join us in this important mission by donating to The Wilds' Fund!
