DURANT, Okla. (April 10, 2026)– Hundreds gathered April 10 to welcome bison to their new home at the Choctaw Cultural Center, marking their return to the prairie.
Once widespread across North America, bison disappeared from southern Oklahoma by the 1800s due to hunting and habitat loss. Now, with support from private donors, the Choctaw Nation is restoring the species on 100 acres of fenced tallgrass prairie.
“It’s really diverse and special,” said Ian Thompson, tribal historic preservation officer.
Additional bison are expected to be added later this year.
