Another 18 bison brought to Azerbaijan from Germany
Berlin, January 30, AZERTAC
Under the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, 12 European bison have been sent from Berlin's Tierpark zoo to Azerbaijan as part of the bison reintroduction project implemented by the IDEA Public Union, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and the WWF Azerbaijan Office. In addition, six more bison have been sent to our country from Bad Berleburg, Germany.
Bison have inhabited Azerbaijan’s rich nature for centuries. These massive wild bulls have long been regarded as a symbol of power, as evidenced by depictions of wild bison on the rocks of Gobustan. However, due to ineffective population management, the species became extinct in the country; the last bison in the Caucasus Mountains was killed in 1927. Recent research by leading regional and international scientists has confirmed that Azerbaijan’s environment remains favorable for the species.
Intensive work on the reintroduction of bison into the country’s wilderness has been underway since late 2012. According to the Cooperation Agreement between IDEA and Shahdag National Park, a 305-hectare area in the Ismayilli section of the park has been allocated for the restoration of the bison population and the breeding of other wild species for scientific purposes. A special complex was built there to facilitate the breeding and reintroduction of bison into the wild.
The dispatch process was observed by Nasimi Aghayev, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Germany, and Andreas Knieriem, Director of Berlin’s Tierpark Zoo. The animals were transported by land to Frankfurt before being flown to Azerbaijan, where they will initially be kept in enclosures for an adaptation period before being released into the wild.
“Today, we are at the Berlin Zoo witnessing a significant occasion. Since 2019, with IDEA’s support, a remarkable project has been carried out in cooperation with Germany,” Ambassador Nasimi Aghayev told journalists. “Bison from zoos in Germany and across Europe are being brought to Azerbaijan to be released into the wild and returned to nature. This demonstrates the great value Azerbaijan places on biodiversity and environmental protection and is a wonderful example of our partnership with Germany.”
“A total of 18 bison are being sent, making it the largest group of bison ever transported in a single flight,” said Andreas Knieriem. He noted that 46 bison had already been delivered in previous stages from various zoos, including those in the Czech Republic. “Many have already reproduced, raising the population from 46 to approximately 70–72. With today's arrivals, the total will approach 90. Azerbaijan now possesses a very strong and healthy bison population. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for the genuine and sincere cooperation between our two countries. I thank Azerbaijan for being such an exemplary and reliable partner.”
The initiative is scheduled to continue until 2028, targeting a population of 100. Beyond environmental restoration, the project also focuses on public awareness through educational activities and summer camps for schoolchildren.
Elvin Movsum
Special Correspondent
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