Parks Canada has re-introduced Plains Bison into Banff National Park, where they haven't roamed in almost a century.

It's part of international efforts to conserve the species, but also part of Canada's 150th birthday celebrations.

The Bison will be kept in a pasture in the Panther Valley until the summer of 2018, when they'll be released into the wild to roam a 1,200 kilometre range of the eastern slopes.

Wild bison destined for Banff National Park are prepared for loading and travel at Elk Island National Park’s bison handling facility. - Johane Janelle / © Parks Canada

In a release Parks Canada says:

The reintroduction of bison is not only ecologically important, but it has a great spiritual meaning for Indigenous Peoples. It provides a first step of reintroducing bison but also bringing back that connection Indigenous Peoples have with bison and with Banff National Park.

Historically, bison were dominant grazers that helped shape the ecosystems of what is now Banff National Park.

The return of bison to Banff will restore a keystone species to the landscape, foster cultural reconnection, inspire discovery, and provide stewardship and learning opportunities.

In the long-term, re-establishing a new wild population within its historical range in Banff National Park will provide a key contribution to national and international bison conservation efforts.

The bison reintroduction to Banff has been and will continue to be built through collaboration and cooperation with Canadians, stakeholders and Indigenous Peoples.

These bison relax in the bison handling facility at Elk Island National Park. Wild bison were selected from Elk Island National Park’s healthy conservation herd to start a new journey in Banff National Park. - Cameron Johnson / © Parks Canada

Catherine McKenna, the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change says;

“Our Government is committed to preserving and expanding our national parks and protected areas and contributing to the recovery of iconic Canadian species. This is a historic moment and a perfect way to mark Canada’s 150. Not only are bison a keystone species and an icon of Canada’s history, they are an integral part of the lives of Indigenous Peoples. By returning plains bison to Banff National Park, Parks Canada is taking an important step towards restoring the full diversity of species and natural processes to the park’s ecosystems while providing new opportunities for Canadians and visitors to connect with the story of this iconic species.”