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Newsroom Lehigh Valley Zoo Dec. 11, 2025 |
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LEHIGH COUNTY AND LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO FOSTER TRANSFER OF BISON FOR CONSERVATION AND CULTURAL REVITALIZATION (Schnecksville, Pa.) —Lehigh County, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Wildlife Restoration Foundation (WRF) and Seneca Nation of Indians (SNI) have successfully relocated four 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 the path toward creating a conservation herd at the Trexler Nature Preserve 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 of the date of transfer, Nov. 19. “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 support 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 (TBC) 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, Lehigh County and LV Zoo are playing a part in recovering this once abundant wildlife species.
“Lehigh County continues to provide resources to the Trexler Nature Preserve by continuing the original image from General Harry C. Trexler. It was his vision and determination that played an important part in the preservation of bison. We owe a debt of gratitude to General Trexler, he was wise and committed to the preservation mission,” said Lehigh County Director of General Services, Rick Molchany.
A Model for Bison Conservation
On the Trexler Nature Preserve, Lehigh County’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:
Introduced to the ITBC by WRF, LV Zoo conducted its first transfer of four bison to SNI in 2021. LV Zoo is now establishing a multi-faceted Zoo-Tribe Partnership (ZTP) facilitated by WRF for the longer term.
Pulling Off a Successful Relocation
As an exciting implementation of their ZTP, on Nov. 19, 2025, LV Zoo, Seneca Nation and WRF worked together to ensure a smooth and problem-free transport of four 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.”
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 lvzoo.org and follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. ### Media Contacts:
About the Seneca Nation of Indians About the Wildlife Restoration Foundation ### As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but it has been treasured community landmark for centuries. Located in the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Nature Preserve, the mission of the Lehigh Valley Zoo is to connect its community with nature to empower people to protect wildlife. We have achieved our mission and educated more than five million people. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Lehigh Valley Zoo hosts year-round, family-friendly events and activities, educational programs, and camps. To learn more about Lehigh Valley Zoo, we invite you to visit our website, www.lvzoo.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. — SmartFun—
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