On March 2, 1889, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill passed by both Houses that officially established the National Zoo and allocated funds for the purchase of land. To celebrate its 125th Anniversary, the Smithsonian's National Zoo is proud to bring back the animal that sparked the conservation movement and the founding of the Zoo—the great American bison. The bison exhibit is set to open in July/August of 2014.

Originally exhibited on the National Mall, the bison were relocated to the current Rock Creek Park site of the National Zoo in 1891. The public is invited to support the National Zoo's efforts to bring bison back through a giving campaign. More details as well as information on complementary programs will be released soon.

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Photo Caption: Bison at the Smithsonian Castle.

Photo Credit: Smithsonian's National Zoo