Like everyone else who has commented on this, I do hope the Bison remain on the hill - but what would make it even better would be to see a small herd there again like there used to be years ago. I'm sure most visitors to Whipsnade miss the Bison altogether, though. Their paddock is not marked on the map that comes with the guidebook, nor are they to be found on any of the directional signs around the park. People follow the signs to the penguins, but, unless they happen to know the bison are a little further on, after viewing the penguins they turn back. A great shame. The ZSL should definitely make them more obvious; at least include them on the map.
I suspect the Bighorn Sheep died out on Bison Hill because of parasite issues which they would not have had on the Mappin Terraces. No direct experience, but I believe this happens with a lot of ungulates that do well on hard standing and go to pieces on grass.
London Zoo could capitalise on Bison Hill and its Bison, both as an iconic local landmark, and as a conservation story. They are missing a trick here.
