Twin bison born in Dzūkija equal a scientific phenomenon

The State Service for Protected Areas shares its success story in protecting Lithuania's bison population.

Last year, twin bison of different sexes (!), named Dzvynis and Dzvyne, were born in the Stegali bison farm in the Dzūkija National Park. This is the first such case in the history of the European bison studbook.

In the spring of 2025, the two twins, together with two more cubs and a group of adult females, were released in the forests of Dzūkija National Park. Today, they are not only a symbol, but also a real proof that bison conservation measures in Lithuania are delivering excellent results.

From 2022 to 2025, as many as 46 bison, selected from free-roaming herds in Panevėžys, Kėdainiai and Kaunas districts, were relocated to the bison farm of Dzūkija National Park. The transfer was carried out at a young age (up to 5 years old) in order to create viable, genetically diverse and long-lasting herds.

The first 12 bison reached Dzūkija in 2022. They include 6 females, 5 males and one calf. The future relatives were joined by one guest from Belarus – a male from the Oziory population.

In early 2025, 10 females were translocated from Kaunas district, forming a group that will also be released.

We recall that the aim of the translocation of bison is not only to reestablish the population of this species in different regions of the country, but also to promote genetic diversity and, most importantly, to form independent, free-living herds.

The enclosure system of the Stegali bison farm in the Dzūkija National Park, with several separate sectors and a quarantine zone, ensures a smooth adaptation of the animals before their release. The "soft release" approach allows the bison to gradually get used to their new environment and avoid stress, thus allowing them to successfully integrate into the free-living population.

According to scientist Dr Artūras Kibišas, Lithuania can now be justifiably proud of having become one of the leaders in bison conservation in Europe. The birth of the twins in Dzūkija is not only a scientific phenomenon, but also an emotional testimony that our conservation efforts are on the right track.