LEHIGH COUNTY, LV ZOO ANNOUNCE CHANGES FOR THE BISON HERD
Herd has been Split into Two Separate Groups for the Safety of the Bison

(Schnecksville, Pa.) —Lehigh County, in conjunction with Lehigh Valley Zoo, has announced changes to the bison herd. Visitors of the Trexler Nature Preserve will now see bison foraging and exploring separate pastures, on either side of the road, for the safety of the herd.

In September of 2024, the passing of the patriarch bison, Big Boy, resulted in a shift of herd dynamics as the remaining males attempted to determine who would become the next leader. Bison social structure is maintained by a dominant bull that leads the herd. Other males in the herd live in a hierarchical structure; one in which each male is subordinate to those above him. After observing the herd for the past five months, LV Zoo’s Animal Care staff determined the need to intervene and manage the heard in two separate groups to ensure the health and safety of each individual member. The herd of 14 bison is now being cared for as two herds of seven bison.

As a single herd, the bison utilized two different pastures in the Trexler Nature Preserve throughout the year. During the winter months, the bison lived in the field just past the elk habitat. In the summer, they were moved across the road into the pasture further uphill. This method of rotation affords the bison fresh grazing when they entered each space, as well as a novel environment to enjoy. Additionally, any manure left in the vacant field would have time to break down and fertilize growing plant life. To manage the two separate herds, both pastures are now being used simultaneously.

It is common practice to separate herd animals living under human care into smaller groupings. This technique can allow for better care of the animals, such as in situations where there is illness or injury, to manage breeding groups, or to separate individuals that do not get along. The Lehigh County and LV Zoo will continue to work together to maintain one herd of bison in the future.

The zoo is making plans to disposition the adult male bison and to bring in a new bull to both lead the herd and to breed. The process involves finding a new home for these bison in other zoological facilities, state or national parks, or preserves. LV Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and will only send animals to approved and suitable locations.

LV Zoo has been entrusted by the Lehigh County to provide exceptional care for the bison and elk in the preserve for more than 20 years. Zoo staff would like to remind guests to the Trexler Nature Preserve that while these amazing animals may look calm and docile at times, they are still wild animals. It is very dangerous to reach through the fence to harass, feed or attempt to make contact with the animals. The safety of animals and guests is the top priority of both the county and the zoo.

LV Zoo is currently open seven days a week and operating under winter hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at lvzoo.org. Beginning in April, the zoo will return to in-season hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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