2. The Wisent Enclosure TOPOĽČIANKY

3. History and present
The Wisent Enclosure was established in 1958 (it was used as a national park).
The present area of the enclosure is 140 ha, the breeding zone covers 27
hectares.
The area is ideal for breeding about 20 bisons – every bison has its specific
living place.
Currently, there are 26 bisons – 13 males and 13 females living in the enclosure.
The educational trail is a big part of the enclosure. Visitors can learn about the life
of the European bison in different seasons.

5. The characteristics of the wisent/European bison
Mammal
Even-toed ungulate
Ruminant
Lives in herds
There are three closely related species: the American bison, the aurochs and the African buffalo.

6. Closely related species
Wisent African buffalo American bison Aurochs
Match the pictures to the names of animals 

7. The life of the wisent/European bison in the enclosure
Every day it is fed with 35 kg of food which is rich in minerals and vitamins.
In females and 4 males were born in the enclosure.
Excess animals are exported to Hungary.
The herd is usually led by the oldest and most experienced
female.

8. Cooperation with international institutions

9. The return of the wisent/European bison into the wild
In 2004 the first wisents were released into the wild of the National Park Poloniny situated in the north-eastern part of Slovakia.
Those 5 individuals along with the wisents on the Polish side of the mountains should form a stable population in that part of the Carpathians.

10. The contribution of the Wisent Enclosure
In the past it helped to preserve the endangered species of the wisent.
It provides care for the injured wisents.
At present it offers a lot of educational activities for the public, for example, the educational trail.

11. Quiz How many wisents are there in the enclosure now?
When were the first wisents released into the wild?
Can you name related species of the wisent?
Count how much food is needed to feed 26 wisents in the enclosure daily. 
How many stops does the educational trail have?
Which international institutions does the Wisent enclosure in Topoľčianky cooperate with?
Is the wisent a mammal?
26 – 13 females, 13 males
2004
African buffalo, American bison, aurochs
35 kg x 26 wisents = 910 kg of food
10 stops
Białowieża and Őrség National Park
Yes

12. Thank you for your attention. 