Berlin: Another significant step in the bison reintroduction project has been achieved as 18 European bison were transported from Germany to Azerbaijan under the initiative spearheaded by Leyla Aliyeva. This effort, implemented by the IDEA Public Union, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and the WWF Azerbaijan Office, involved the transfer of 12 bison from Berlin's Tierpark Zoo and six from Bad Berleburg.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, bison have been a part of Azerbaijan's natural landscape for centuries, symbolizing power and strength as depicted on the Gobustan rocks. However, the species faced extinction in the region due to poor population management, with the last known bison in the Caucasus Mountains killed in 1927. Recent studies indicate that the environment in Azerbaijan remains conducive for their return.

Efforts to reintroduce bison into Azerbaijan commenced in late 2012, with a Cooperation Agreement between IDEA and Shahdag National Park designating a 305-hectare area in Ismayilli for this purpose. This area supports the restoration of the bison population and the breeding of other wild species for scientific study, facilitated by a specially built complex.

The bison were observed by Nasimi Aghayev, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Germany, and Andreas Knieriem, Director of Berlin's Tierpark Zoo, during their dispatch. The animals were initially transported by land to Frankfurt and then flown to Azerbaijan. They will spend time in enclosures to adapt before being released into the wild.

Ambassador Aghayev highlighted the importance of the occasion, noting the project as a testament to Azerbaijan's commitment to biodiversity and environmental protection. Andreas Knieriem emphasized the scale of the operation, marking it as the largest group of bison transported in a single flight. With previous deliveries, Azerbaijan's bison population has increased significantly, with current arrivals bringing the total close to 90.

The initiative is set to continue until 2028, with a target bison population of 100. Beyond ecological restoration, the project also aims to raise public awareness through educational activities and summer camps for schoolchildren.