Caucasian Bison

The Caucasian bison, a subspecies of the European bison, once roamed the forests and mountains of the Caucasus region. After facing near extinction in the 20th century, zoos have been instrumental in bringing these magnificent animals back from the brink.

In zoos, Caucasian bison are cared for in large, wooded enclosures that resemble their natural habitat. These areas include open grasslands for grazing and shaded forests for shelter. Their diet consists of grasses, hay, fruits, and vegetables, supplemented with minerals to maintain their health.

Zookeepers carefully monitor the herd's social structure, as bison are highly social animals. Enrichment activities include providing fresh branches for chewing, which helps maintain healthy teeth and stimulates natural foraging behaviors.

Zoos also collaborate on breeding and reintroduction programs to restore populations in the wild. By maintaining healthy genetic lines and preparing bison for life outside captivity, zoos contribute to the species' long-term survival. Educational programs teach visitors about the bison's history and its importance to biodiversity.