Bison Reintroduction

The Caucasus is one of the planet’s most biologically diverse, yet most threatened regions. The forests, mountains and arid landscapes contain an abundance of wildlife, which is disappearing at an alarming rate. It may sound astonishing now, but the region was once home to top carnivores, such as Asiatic lion, Caspian tiger and Asiatic cheetah. The loss of some species is probably irreversible, as human activities have transformed half of these lands. However, we must strive to conserve and restore all others to prevent further permanent damage to our precious natural ecosystems.

The Caucasian wisent, a subspecies of wisent, which resided for centuries in Azerbaijan, has been wiped out during the historical times. The European bison (wisent) - the only extant wild ox species and the largest land mammal inhabiting ecosystems of Europe - is currently one of the most threatened species in the world. A project by IDEA, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and WWF Azerbaijan is dedicated to bring this keystone species back to our nature. As part of the project, a bison adaptation center has been constructed in 2017. Initially, 12 bison have been brought from various European parks in 2019. These animals have been successfully breeding ever since and, after a two-year acclimatization period, twenty European bison were released into the wild in Shahdag National Park. Collared with GPS devices, these animals are being tracked and monitored for their movement and survival, collecting valuable information that may benefit the wild population in the future. More bison have arrived in Azerbaijan for reintroduction in late 2022 and 2026. Shahdag National Park is becoming the first place in the South Caucasus, where the bison will roam freely again after becoming extinct in the region.

Glen Shirra’s Journey

Born in Berlin in 2013, Glen Shirra grew up unaware of the legacy she would one day carry. In 2019, her journey brought her to the Caucasus, returning her to her ancestral lands. After two years of adaptation, she was released into Azerbaijan’s forests, quickly settling into her new home. Nine months later, Glen Shirra gave birth to Shahzubar, a symbol of hope for Azerbaijan’s natural heritage. As her family grew, they began contributing to the revitalization of the Caucasus ecosystem. Today, Glen Shirra and her offspring live alongside 66 other bisons in Shahdag National Park, their presence standing as a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of nature.