Free-roaming bison in the Jura?

The go-ahead has been given for a pioneering species conservation project in the Solothurn municipality of Welschenrohr: The Wisent Thal association is allowed to fence in a hundred-hectare area for bison! The Federal Supreme Court dismissed the last appeal at the beginning of March 2022. The land belongs to the Burgergemeinde Solothurn and a farmer.

With a five-year trial, the association wants to investigate how the animals behave in the Jura habitat and whether it would be possible to reintroduce the species, which has been extinct since the Middle Ages, to Switzerland. In the first two years, a small herd of one bull and four cows will be acclimatized to the Jura habitat. Later, up to 15 bison will live in the facility.

Herd from the Langenberg zoo

The Zurich Wilderness Park is actively supporting the project. Langenberg Zoo, which is involved in the European conservation breeding program for bison, will provide the first animals and advise the association. The first step will be to build the fence for the bison enclosure. The herd of bison is expected to be moved from Langnau to the Jura in late summer.

Coexistence between humans and wild animals

Do these shy, shaggy giants belong back in our forests? - Yes, as long as people are prepared to treat them with respect. The understanding of the population is one of the keys to the success of any reintroduction - be it in tropical areas or in Mongolia, where Langenberg Zoo is supporting the reintroduction of Przewalski's horses, or in the immediate vicinity.

You can find detailed information about the project here: www.wisent-thal.ch