Something extraordinary just happened at The Wilds.
In a collaborative effort, The Wilds, the Wildlife Restoration Foundation (WRF), the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC), and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe successfully relocated 74 bison to the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. This move is a huge milestone in bison conservation and cultural preservation.
The Big Move

On May 9, 2024, after months of planning, 74 bison embarked on an 18-hour journey to their new home on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. These bison, including seven females born in 2022, 63 young bison born in 2023, and four breeding bulls, were safely transported in two large livestock trailers, thanks to the expertise of ITBC and CRST partners and drivers.
Dr. Joe Smith, Vice President at The Wilds, emphasized the significance of this transfer: “The transfer of these bison is a crucial step in our mission to restore this keystone species to its native range while respecting the profound cultural connections many tribes and communities have with the bison.” This effort not only aids ecological restoration but also supports the cultural heritage of the tribes involved.
Why Bison Matter

Bison are essential to prairie ecosystems, maintaining native vegetation through grazing, adding nutrients back to the soil, and even creating wetlands that benefit a variety of species. Historically, bison roamed across 142 million acres in the U.S., but now less than 5% of this habitat remains. The near extinction of bison due to over-hunting and westward expansion had devastating effects on both the environment and the tribes that depended on them.
Culturally, bison are deeply significant. As the National Mammal of the United States, bison have been integral to the lives of Tribal nations across the Great Plains, providing food, shelter, clothing, and playing a central role in traditions and spiritual rituals.
A Collaborative Effort

The Wilds is leading the charge in bison conservation with the establishment of the North American Center for Bison Conservation. This initiative brings together the expertise of The Wilds staff, WRF, ITBC, and various federal, state, and tribal entities, private conservancies, and zoological facilities. The goal is to manage large-scale bison herds and further bison conservation both in professional care and wild protected areas.
The successful relocation was celebrated with a traditional CRST ceremony. Tribal Elder Ivan Looking Horse performed the ceremony at The Wilds, involving staff and including tribal prayers and the burning of sage. This marked a respectful and culturally significant send-off for the bison.
New Beginnings in South Dakota
Jayme Murray, CEO of the Cheyenne River Buffalo Authority Corporation, expressed joy over the successful transfer: “The bison are happy and content in their natural habitat on the plains of South Dakota on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. They will remain isolated from our main herd for about 30 more days per our herd health protocols, at which time they will be integrated into our herds to promote genetic diversity. Thank you to The Wilds and everyone who made this possible.”
Beyond restoring bison to their prairie habitats, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe plans to use the bison for cultural education, community events, and nutrition. Some bison may be harvested through traditional field methods as part of the Tribe’s Farm-to-School program, which aims to provide bison meat at affordable prices to local schools, enhancing both nutrition and cultural education.
Looking Forward
Thomas Peters from ITBC, who drove one of the trucks, shared his experience: “It was great visiting The Wilds’ facilities and staff. We can tell how dedicated they are to the health and wellbeing of all of the animals in their care. The transfers to Cheyenne River went splendidly, and the buffalo are enjoying their new home. We look forward to continuing this partnership with The Wilds.”
This partnership signifies a significant step towards sustainable bison conservation and cultural revitalization. As The Wilds continues to refine its Strategic Implementation Plan, the focus remains on amplifying wild bison traits, improving herd health, and fostering collaboration with conservation and tribal entities.

Dr. Smith summed it up beautifully: “The Wilds is proud to collaborate with our esteemed partners on this vital initiative. Together, we are not only working to restore a species that plays a crucial role in our ecosystems but also upholding a cultural tradition that enriches important heritage for Tribal nations.”
To learn more about the conservation work done at The Wilds, you can head over to their website.