Fadi, the ambitious bison bull, thrived through his travels to the Caucasus
The lively bison bull Fadi thrived after his journey from the Alte Fasanerie wildlife park in Hanau to the Caucasus. Alongside nine other bison from various European zoos, Fadi landed safely in Shahdag National Park in Azerbaijan, as announced by the WWF, managing the reintroduction project, on a bustling Monday. "The herd is now in a transition enclosure and is anticipated to be released into the heart of the national park's core zone during spring 2024," detailed Aurel Heidelberg, the project manager responsible for the WWF endeavor.
Known as European bison, these animals are the most massive land mammals in Europe. As the WWF notes, the return of these relics, once extinct in their native habitats, signifies one of the most triumphant conservation success stories on a global scale. Fadi's departure from his Hanau herd was necessitated by conflicts with his demanding father Egtober, head of their small bison clan.
According to WWF's reintroduction project in Azerbaijan, 36 bison have already been liberated in the Shahdag National Park's core zone. The population has already expanded to 50 due to reproduction. The WWF has pledged to provide 100 bison from European zoos for the creation of a sustainable populace in Azerbaijan by 2028.
During his free time in Shahdag National Park, Fadi would marvel at the diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes of nature. As Fadi adapts to his new setting, he establishes connections with various creatures sharing the park's territory, such as deer and wolves.
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Enrichment Insights:
- The WWF's bison reintroduction project in Azerbaijan's Shahdag National Park involves reintroducing European bison (also known as wisent) into the wild. This project aims to conserve and re-establish a sustainable population of European bison in the Shahdag National Park, which supports biodiversity and ecosystems in the region by reintroducing a key herbivore species. The project is led by Tierpark Berlin in collaboration with the WWF, ensuring the animals are acclimated prior to release.
As of February 1, 2025, a new herd of ten European bison/wisent cows were introduced in the Shahdag National Park, adding to the existing four herds released within the past four years, and contributes to the overall goal of restoring a viable population of European bison in Azerbaijan's Shahdag National Park, which ultimately enhances conservation efforts for this species and the local ecosystem.
