American Bison

Conservation Challenges

Loss of Wild Bison Population

Just two centuries ago, between 30 and 60 million bison roamed North American grasslands. But by the late 1800s, sport hunting and mass slaughter brought the bison to the brink of extinction. In 1906, only about 1,000 bison, wild and captive, remained. Thanks to strong conservation efforts in the early 20th century, the bison population has grown to about 450,000. However, fewer than 20,000 of these animals range freely and many have been crossbred with cattle or other bison subspecies. 

Loss of Cultural Connection

Bison play an important role in the history and culture of Native Americans, including the Blackfeet people. The mass slaughter of bison was culturally devastating for them - not only did bison provide food and other crucial materials needed for survival on the prairie, but the loss of this iconic animal also severed the spiritual connection to wildlife and the land. According to Harry Barnes, Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Chairman, “The elders have long believed that until the buffalo returned, the Blackfeet Tribal Nation would drift.”

Oakland Zoo is Taking Action for the Bison

Breeding and Release

Oakland Zoo aids in increasing the wild population of North American bison through an outbreeding and release program. This partnership allows new genes to intentionally be integrated into buffalo herds. Buffalo are brought to the zoo’s rolling hills habitat to roam and breed with the zoo’s bison population. Once old enough, offspring are returned to the Blackfeet tribal lands to roam freely. In 2016, Oakland Zoo, WCS, and the Blackfeet tribes began this partnership. The agreement allowed 88 Bison from Elk Island National Park in Canada to be relocated to their ancestral lands on the Two Medicine River, in Browning, Montana. Oakland Zoo selected 11 animals from the herd to be part of the outbreeding program. The ultimate goal is for descendants from the new blended herd, including calves born at the zoo, to supply further restorations on wild landscapes in the Blackfeet Territory. The resurgence of bison where they have been absent for a century will greatly benefit the prairie ecosystem and other wildlife as well.

Community Engagement

Oakland Zoo aims to use our access to the public to help wildlife. We are enthusiastic about the return of bison to Blackfeet tribal lands, and we show this by sharing knowledge about this charismatic species and its rich cultural heritage.

Eco-Tourism

Oakland Zoo will assist the Iinnii Initiative (formed by the Blackfoot Confederacy) with the cultivation of ecotourism programs. These profitable experiences will help create nature-based, sustainable jobs and a solid learning connection between bison and the Blackfeet Nation heritage. Our vision is to host Oakland Zoo Nature and Heritage Expeditions to Montana and Glacier National Park.

Taking Action for Bison: You Can Too!

• SUPPORT Indigenous Lead Eco-Tourism.
• VISIT Glacier National Park and support their work to protect wildlife.
• RESPECT bison habitat and keep a safe distance to prevent dangerous incidents.
• CELEBRATE National Bison Day in November; it is the national mammal of the United States!