First UK Wild Bison Calf in Millennia Is Born, Surprising Rangers (Pics & Video)

The unexpected arrival at a pioneering rewilding project in Kent is as significant as she is adorable. Back in July, three female bison made history after being reintroduced to a reserve in Kent, UK, as the first wild roaming bison in Britain for thousands of years. Now, the pioneering rewilding project is making history again with the arrival a bouncing little baby bison that has surprised rangers. It is the first wild bison born in the UK in millennia. You can watch video below the article.

The project site is licensed for up to 10 bison and is hoped to provide bison for other sites to be founded around the UK, as well as for exchanging animals across Europe. The population of European bison today is 9,000, who all descended from just 12 zoo animals that saved the species from extinction in the early 20th century. Therefore, maximizing genetic diversity among them is of utmost importance. In the West Blean and Thornden Woods of Kent, the bison are already rewilding the ecology of the area, increasing its biodiversity. By breaking down the vegetation and creating more well-lit areas, they act as ecosystem engineers, allowing other species including birds, insects and reptiles to thrive.