( CNN ) -- Philanthropist and billionaire businessman Ted Turner will receive 88 disease-free bison from Yellowstone National Park , Montana 's Department of Fish , Wildlife and Parks confirmed Tuesday . The bison , which were facing slaughter , will be transferred for breeding to Turner 's `` Green Ranch , '' west of Bozeman , Montana , from a quarantine facility . `` The Green Ranch emerged as the best option we have for these bison right now , '' said Ken McDonald , said the state agency 's wildlife bureau chief in Helena , Montana . `` It gives us time to evaluate the social and biological factors that will come into play as we begin to plan for the future of bison management in Montana . '' For several years , the bison were quarantined and spared from slaughter after concerns about brucellosis disease , an infectious disease caused by contact with animals carrying the bacteria called brucella . All quarantined bison delivered to Turner 's property , along with 25 percent of their offspring , will be returned to the state wildlife agency at the conclusion of the agreement , which will last up to five years , the release said . Turner Enterprises ' Green Ranch proposal describes 12,000 acres of suitable habitat , excellent handling facilities , years of experience with bison and secure living space for the animals . The ranch also will participate in continued disease testing and monitoring conducted by state and federal officials , the release said . According to the Turner Enterprises Inc . Web site , Turner , who founded CNN in 1980 , is the largest individual landowner in North America with an estimated 2 million acres . His Western properties consist of 15 ranches in seven states . His bison herd is about 50,000 animals , making it the largest private herd in the world , his Web site said .
Turner will get 88 disease-free bison to use for breeding . Yellowstone bison had been quarantined after concerns about brucellosis . Turner has 50,000 bison , making it the largest private herd in the world .