European bison
Bison bonasus
We currently have a herd of European bison in the UK, you can spot them exploring our drive-through reserve.
Population
Increasing
Diet
Herbivore
Habitat
Grasslands
Fact file
European bison previously roamed throughout western, central and south eastern Europe. Unfortunately by 1927, the species had been lost from the wild entirely and only 54 individuals survived in European Zoos. Since then there have been re-introductions to forests in Belarus, Poland, Russia, Lithuania, the Ukraine, Romania and Slovakia
Despite their usual slow movements, they are surprisingly agile and can jump three metre wide streams or two metre high fences from a standing start
How we're helping
Like all the animals in our care, our European bison are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued, and loved.
As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the park and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.
Find out more about RZSS conservation