Bison Prairie Ecosystem Restoration Welfare

Bison restoration to prairie ecosystems provides welfare benefits to individual animals and ecological benefits to thousands of species dependent on bison-grazed grasslands.

Key Facts

Bison grazing creates wallows and varied grass heights that benefit over 200 grassland bird species
Bison dung supports hundreds of dung beetle species that in turn support birds and soil fertility
Restored bison herds show normal social behaviors including sparring wallowing and calf rearing absent in captivity
The Nature Conservancy manages bison herds on 14 preserves covering hundreds of thousands of acres

Welfare Considerations

Restored bison herds on large grassland preserves experience welfare far superior to confined zoo populations. Animals with access to thousands of acres can express normal social behaviors establish dominance hierarchies form family groups and move seasonally. Calves develop under natural maternal guidance rather than human management. The ecological function of bison grazing simultaneously benefits the welfare of hundreds of grassland species through habitat heterogeneity creation.

What You Can Do

Support the American Prairie Reserve and other organizations restoring bison across connected landscapes
Advocate for tribal bison restoration programs that maintain cultural and ecological integrity
Visit and financially support large bison restoration preserves over zoo exhibits
Donate to organizations working to reconnect fragmented grassland habitats for bison movement