Virtual tour

The European Bison is the closest relative of the North-American Bison (Bison Bison). Its habitat comprised mixed deciduous forests with clearings. Almost extinct in German-speaking countries since the 16th century. From 1935 to 1944 wisents were kept in a huge preserve situated in the Southwest of lake Werbellinsee. Diet: Leaves, twigs and bark of trees and bushes. They are ruminants. Wisents are very active in the morning and in the evening. Reaching a maximum weight of 1,200 kg (189 st), the wisent is the heaviest land mammal in Europe. Gestation period: 9 months. Lifespan: approx. 27 years.