Manitoba Bison herd gets new members

[Catherine]

A bison herd in Manitoba, 300 km north west of Winnipeg, has just increased in numbers. Ten bison were transferred from Elk Island National Park in Alberta.
The North American Buffalo, known as Bison were almost driven to extinction. Few remained, but efforts to increase their numbers have been successful. 
The bison have been returned to a number of areas. Chitek Lake Anishinaabe Provincial Park is already home to a herd of about 200 bison. Ten more bulls and cows will benefit the herd.


https://thenarwhal.ca/skownan-first-nation-wood-bison/


This is Manitoba's only herd of wild Bison, at this time. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitek_Lak...ncial_Park


The bison were numerous. They estimate 30-60 million before they were hunted to near extinction. 
The bison restoration in North America is a work in progress. There are a number of herds all over and as the numbers grow in each herd they are able to send bison to new locations. 
Having a strong herd in Manitoba, in such an isolated area, is insurance against diseases that could wipe out other herds. They will remain a strong healthy gene pool. Some day they could send bison to other herds. It will take many years of patient work, but the Buffalo will return.