Topoľčianska zubria zvernica

The Topoľčianska bison sanctuary is a protected site in western Slovakia where bison can graze freely within large forest enclosures. The facility is organized into separate sections that allow the animals to live and breed naturally while remaining safe from external threats.

The site was established in 1973 when European bison were nearly extinct and global populations were at critical levels. It was created as part of an international effort to save the species and rebuild their numbers.

The European bison here are part of a breeding program that shows visitors how these large animals live and interact with each other. You can watch them grazing and moving together, which helps explain why protecting this species matters.

Visitors can best observe the animals during their active periods when they are grazing and moving around, especially on clear weather days. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes since the terrain is hilly and you may walk longer distances.

Every young bison born here receives a name starting with the letter 'Si', a system that marks Slovak-born offspring. This tradition helps track which animals grew up at this location.