ZIMBRĂRIA DOMNEASCĂ

This 32 ha bison reserve is part of the nature reserve of Pădurea Domnească (which covers 6,032 ha and was opened in 1993). You enter through a magnificent carved wooden gate. Originally, in 2005, the Polish government donated three bison to Moldova, one male and two females. By the 1920s, this species had almost disappeared. By 1947, only thirty-nine were left in the world and seventeen in Europe. Today there are 3,500, but that is still too few. There are seven in this reserve, two females and five males. These are fragile animals that require great care and special conditions. The director of the reserve must report regularly on the condition of his buffalo. The bison are not really wild because they are already accustomed to humans. They can grow up to 3.5 m long. Other animals living in the reserve include horses, badgers, deer, roe deer, wild boar, martens, mink, otters and feral cats. There is also a large colony of herons. A beautiful covered wooden bridge overlooks one of the plots and provides a good view of the bison. The bison reserve and the nature reserve at Pădurea Domnească will delight children and nature lovers. The places are magnificent and perfect to recharge your batteries in the peace and quiet of nature.

The bison's "cousin", the aurochs, appears on the national coat of arms of Moldova (in the coat of arms in the centre of the eagle).