Zoopedia: The World of Zoo Animals

The Mighty European Bison

The European bison, or wisent, once roamed the forests of Europe in vast numbers but is now a rare sight due to habitat loss and hunting. At the zoo, a herd of bison thrives under careful management.

The leader of the herd, a massive bull named Boris, is particularly impressive. Boris was part of a reintroduction program that helped increase the wild bison population. While he remains in the zoo, his offspring have been released into protected reserves.

Zookeepers ensure that Boris and his herd have plenty of space to graze and roam, replicating their natural habitat. During the winter, they receive hay and additional nutrients to help them maintain their strength. Boris has also become a favorite during feeding demonstrations, where visitors marvel at his sheer size and strength as he munches on branches.

Boris’s story highlights the zoo’s role in conservation, showing how captive breeding can contribute to saving species on the brink of extinction.