European bison (wisent) recovered from extinction through captive breeding and are now being successfully rewilded across their former range, providing a model for large mammal restoration.
Captive breeding for conservation requires management of genetics, disease, and behavioral preparation for rewilding. Bison in managed herds are habituated to humans to varying degrees, affecting their welfare after release. Rewilded bison face initial challenges locating food, water, and shelter in unfamiliar landscapes. Supplementary feeding during the first winter reduces starvation risk. Population expansion onto land with neighboring agricultural areas creates inevitable human-bison conflict requiring management. Bison welfare benefits from rewilding include space to perform natural behaviors including wallowing, grazing, and rubbing, all denied in captive situations. The success of European bison rewilding provides a framework for other large herbivore restoration programs.