European bison
Bison bonasus
We currently have a herd of European bison that you can spot exploring the drive-through reserve. Bison play a key ecological role, shaping their habitats through grazing and browsing and contributing to biodiversity. They differ from their American cousins by being slightly taller, having different physical characteristics and preferring woodland habitats.
Europe's largest land mammal, the bison is a powerful herbivore that once roamed vast areas of the continent. 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.
Population
Increasing
Diet
Herbivore
Habitat
Grasslands
Fact file
They are taller but lighter than American bison
European bison prefer woodlands and mixed habitats
The bison found in North America and Europe have a prominent shoulder hump and shaggy coat. Buffalo are native to Africa and Asia, lack the hump and have smoother coats. Often confused, they are distinct species inhabiting different continents. American ‘buffalo’ are actually bison.
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