35 years of keeping and breeding of European Bison (Bison bonasus) at Thüringer Waldzoo Gera

Abstract

The keeping of Bison bonasus bonasus started with a old pair from Zoo Leipzig in 1973 at Thüringer Waldzoo Gera. In 1976 a direct import from Bialowieza Forest brought three young European bison to Gera. This established group bred five offspring. In 1991 the genetic line was changed to the Lowland-Caucasian. More than 30 offspring from this line were born during 18 years. In 2009, after more than 35 years of keeping Bison bonasus, the line was changed back to the Lowland.