Lehigh Valley Zoo, Wildlife Restoration Foundation, Seneca Nation Transfer Bison for Conservation and Cultural Revitalization
4 Bison Bulls Successfully Relocated to Seneca Nation to Help Restore Grassland Ecosystems and Native Food Sovereignty
November 21, 2025
Lehigh, PA – Lehigh Valley Zoo (LV Zoo), Wildlife Restoration Foundation (WRF), and Seneca Nation of Indians (SNI) have successfully relocated 4 bison bulls from the Trexler Nature Preserve in Pennsylvania to Seneca Nation lands in New York. This second relocation marks a special achievement for the budding Zoo-Tribe Partnership facilitated by WRF between LV Zoo and Seneca Nation and a milestone on LV Zoo’s path toward becoming a conservation herd that can serve as model of keeping bison wild and contributing to grasslands recovery on a small scale.
“This day has been months in the making, and to see it all come together for this transfer was very rewarding. We’re very excited to continue in this process and creating these partnerships was a necessary step,” said LV Zoo General Curator Sara Koplish. “Through this collaboration, the Zoo is able to make a much bigger impact for bison.”
LV Zoo has been entrusted by Lehigh County to provide exceptional care for the bison in the preserve for more than 20 years. The Zoo aims to be a leading model for conserving wild bison traits, behaviors, and ecosystem benefits through small herd management and partnerships, including with Tribal buffalo programs to protect the species while preserving North America’s cultural heritage. This initiative leverages the expertise of LV Zoo staff, Seneca Nation, WRF, the InterTribal Buffalo Council, and various federal, state, and Tribal entities, private conservancies, and zoological facilities to manage the health, abundance, and habitats of bison herds across the country.
Return of Bison to the Northeast
The American bison is a keystone species, ideal ecosystem engineers for grasslands and interdependent native wildlife species, including in the soil and pollinators.
In 2016, the bison became recognized as America’s National Mammal. Bison were the foundation of Tribal nations across much of the United States before European settlement enmasse in the 1800s. During that era, bison were hunted to near extinction, and with them, many Tribal nations who depended on bison for food, shelter, clothing, and in traditions and spiritual rituals. In Pennsylvania, the last wild bison was reputedly shot and killed in 1801. Focusing on restoring bison to the Northeast, LV Zoo is playing its part in recovering this once abundant wildlife species.
A Model for Bison Conservation
On the Trexler Nature Preserve, LV Zoo’s bison herd live relatively wild on two pastures totaling 20 acres, with opportunities for free expression of natural behaviors such as wallowing and horning and establishment of family groups. By partnering with WRF and Seneca Nation, Lehigh County and Lehigh Valley Zoo are taking steps toward transitioning the herd of about 14 bison into a bison herd with conservation intent. This involves:
• Maintaining natural herd structures and behaviors
• Ensuring genetic diversity and quality
• Implementing advanced herd management and health strategies
• Restoring native grasslands and documenting benefits to obligate wildlife species
• Enhancing public education through signage and guest experiences.
Introduced to the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC) by WRF, LV Zoo conducted its first transfer of 4 bison to SNI in 2021. LV Zoo is now establishing a multi-faceted Zoo-Tribe Partnership (ZTP) facilitated by WRF for the longer term.
“Restructuring, diversifying and improving the genetics of the Lehigh Valley Zoo bison herd is what WRF was brought on to help do,” said WRF president Julie Anton Randall. “We are grateful to ITBC who introduced us to Seneca Nation and generally share vital wisdom and expertise in understanding how to best partner with Tribal buffalo programs.”
Pulling Off a Successful Relocation
As an exciting implementation of their ZTP, on November 19, 2025, LV Zoo, Seneca Nation and WRF worked together to ensure a smooth and problem-free transport of 4 adult bison bulls to their home on Gawki:yo:h Farms of the Seneca Nation. They will live among an abundance of native vegetables and fruits grown for the Seneca Nation’s food sovereignty initiative that brings nutrition and employment to the Seneca community.
First Lady Nicole Seneca shared, “I was honored to support the transfer of four juvenile bison bulls from the Lehigh Valley Zoo to the Seneca Nation’s Gawki:yo:h Farms. The bulls make a strong addition to our existing herd. I’m grateful for the warm hospitality extended during the Seneca Nation’s visit; we were able to tour the zoo, and pastures while learning more about the partnerships that made this disposition possible. I look forward to continued opportunities and collaborations that will help expand Gawki:yo:h Farms and strengthen Native food sovereignty.”
The bison were safely transported in separate compartments on board a large transport trailer during a 5-hour drive straight through to the Gawki:yo:h Farms in Collins, New York, thanks to the talents of Mohawk Bison. The bison included four breeding bull bison aged 7, 6, 5, and 3.
Traditional prayers were said in honor of the bison upon arrival to the herd as they are returned to be enfolded into the lives of Seneca people.
Gerry Fisher, Director of Gawki:yo:h Farms said, “We are greatly honored to receive the four bison from Lehigh Valley Zoo. The new bloodline will offer a healthier and more diverse herd. The bison are culturally significant and deeply meaningful to the Seneca community. Nyaweh (thank you) for entrusting Gawki:yo:h Farms to care for these majestic animals.”
For more information about the Lehigh Valley Zoo’s conservation initiatives, educational offerings, how to become a member, or to schedule a tour, please visit www.LVZoo.org and follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
