The elk re-introduction project is part of a provincially mandated effort to re-establish this majestic ungulate to its historic natural range where it roamed freely as late as the 1800's. A combination of over-harvesting by the early settlers of Ontario and the loss of habitat resulted in the extinction of the Eastern Elk. Two herds from the genetically twinned Rocky Mountain Elk inhabiting western North America, have been relocated to Ontario as part of a massive cooperative effort to restore a species that will flourish in Ontario's natural ecosystem.