Before they headed out of the park, bison were implanted with a microchip with identifying information/NPS

Healthy bison herds at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota are sowing their genes through a program with The Nature Conservancy that operates bison preserves in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, and Illinois.

Under an agreement with TNC, the national park is providing 103 bison to conservation herds. Bison from Wind Cave National Park are sought for such programs because they are brucellosis free status and have high levels of genetic purity and diversity.

'œWe are very pleased to work with The Nature Conservancy on this project of preserving our bison,' said Wind Cave Superintendent Vidal Dávila. 'œShould something happen to our herd, these conservation herds could serve as a safety net to help repopulate or replace the park'™s herd.'

Before being shipped, all bison tested negative for brucellosis. Additionally, each animal received a microcomputer chip and metal ear tag with the animal'™s size, weight, age, and height was recorded. Genetic samples from calves and yearlings were taken to continue monitoring the genetics of the herd. 

With the assistance of horse riders from Custer State Park and helicopters from Sky Aviation in Worland, Wyoming, 374 animals were brought in for processing to reduce the size of the herd to fewer than 450 animals. Currently there are an estimated 365 to 400 bison remaining in the park.