This is Europe’s largest land mammal which became extinct over most of its range in prehistoric times. They survived in significant numbers in Poland, Russia, Belarus and the Ukraine but were hunted heavily in the 19th century and then were decimated by the First World War when many were killed by troops and poachers. The last wild-roaming bison was shot in Bialowieza forest in Poland in 1919. Almost immediately however a captive breeding programme was started with the remaining zoo animals and by 1945 there were roughly 120 European bison surviving. In 1952 the first bison were returned to Bialowieza and there are now around 3500 individuals worldwide – all descended from 12 individuals – some of whom have been reintroduced to their native habitats. Not surprisingly, there are problems associated with inbreeding of this species such as decrease in lifespan or juvenile mortality but this is closely monitored and recommendations are made to breeders by the European bison studbook holder. All our bison are part of the international breeding programme and we currently have one of the largest herds of European bison in the United Kingdom. Less muscular but taller than the American bison, European bison prefer a woodland habitat where they live in small herds browsing on leaves and vegetation. Most of the year the cows and calves will form a herd, which will be joined by bulls around July, leading up to the rut in August and October. At this time, the bulls will look for cows who are in oestrus and will try and prevent other bulls from approaching. This is when disputes between bulls will occur which can occasionally result in serious injuries such as deep wounds and broken bones. Most of the time however, fighting will consist more of threatening postures and bellowing.Most of the calves are born between May and July and are able to run only a few hours after birth.
