The Bison Program
WRF works with zoos + parks/conservancies + Tribes to…
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Establish/sustain Zoo-Park Partnerships with bison as a focal species
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Transform zoo holdings to be valuable for conserving wild bison traits, behaviors, and grasslands ecosystem benefits
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Provide bison with conservation intent for new/expanding North American exhibits
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Plan collection management and composition through expert advisors + bison transfers
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Improve interpretation with focus on Tribal relations (ITBC + Tribal buffalo programs)
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Create new, lasting Zoo-Tribe Partnerships through careful, experienced facilitation
Zoo-Bison
Conservation Herds
This program supports zoos and conservation entities in developing sustainable bison conservation herds that retain wild traits, behaviors, and ecosystem value. WRF serves as a neutral facilitator, guiding institutions through partner selection, herd planning, and bison transfers. The approach integrates animal care staff, curators, and leadership to ensure shared goals, while coordinating source and disposition partners across parks, Tribes, and conservancies. Each project includes written herd plans, timelines, communications strategies, and collaborative interpretation—especially when Tribal partners are involved—ensuring transparency, trust, and long-term conservation impact
Zoo–Tribe Partnerships for Tribal Buffalo Herds
WRF works with zoos and Tribal Nations to establish or strengthen Tribal buffalo herds through carefully facilitated partnerships. These collaborations prioritize Tribal leadership, cultural values, and food sovereignty while ensuring conservation integrity. Current partnerships include The Wilds with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Lehigh Valley Zoo with the Seneca Nation, with additional partnerships in development. Projects emphasize ethical bison transfers, shared decision-making, culturally respectful communications, and long-term relationship building that supports both ecological restoration and Tribal goals.
North American
Bison Summits (NABS)
The North American Bison Summits convene diverse stakeholders—including Tribes, conservationists, land managers, and ranchers—to share best practices and advance collaborative bison conservation. Expected outcomes include practical models for conservation aligned with working landscapes, improved disease management and genetic diversity, and recognition of bison’s ecological, cultural, and economic value. The summit elevates Tribal buffalo culture, climate resilience, and cross-border collaboration across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while strengthening partnerships at landscape, sector, and jurisdictional levels.
Champions for the
American Bison
Champions for the American Bison acts on behalf of the U.S. National Mammal, commemorating the National Bison Legacy Act and its 10th anniversary. The program supports fundraising for North American Bison Summits and facilitates zoo bison transport to Tribal herds. By engaging zoos, partners, and the public, this initiative elevates awareness of bison conservation, Tribal relationships, and the cultural and historical significance of the species—while mobilizing tangible resources for on-the-ground impact.