Wisent (Bison bonasus)

The wisent, also known as the European bison, became extinct in the wild in 1927. Only 12 animals remained alive in captivity. They were used to start a breeding program which has (so far) succeeded in saving the species. Today there are around 3200 wisents, of which more than 1600 live in the wild in the forests of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.