It is one of the major domestic political issues in Switzerland: dealing with wolves. The Federal Council wants to severely decimate the wolf population, as it announced this week. The currently around 30 packs in Switzerland are to be reduced to a third.
From December onwards, the animals can now be shot preventatively if there is fear of greater damage. What makes farmers happy angers animal rights activists. Because the wolf polarizes. Where is there someone who works very closely with wolves?
Visiting the wolves in Biel
One person who deals with wolves every day is zoo manager Sven Fässler, 31 years old. He Among other things, he helped design the Lewa savanna in Zurich Zoo. He was already caring for wolves before.
Legend:
One of the three wolves that lives on the edge of the Bözingenberg behind a large fence in Biel.
SRF
Last January he seized the opportunity to run a zoo himself. In Biel he only wants to keep local animals, as species-appropriate as possible. When he was asked by the Zurich Zoo whether he would like to take over the three wolves, he didn’t have to think twice. And now Samija, Khentii and Sonam live on the edge of the Bözingenberg in Biel.
The image of the big bad wolf has nothing to do with reality.
There is a high fence between the animals and barrels. But even without this it wouldn’t be dangerous. “This Little Red Riding Hood effect or the image of the big bad wolf has nothing to do with reality. Sighting a wolf is a wonderful experience that only lasts a few seconds because the wolf immediately disappears afterwards,” says Fässler. “The wolf is a shy animal.”
Legend:
Dealing with wolves is polarizing in Switzerland. The wolves Samija, Khentii and Sonam will never kill a sheep and are safe from hunting themselves – here in their spacious enclosure in the Biel Zoo.
SRF
People weren’t part of his prey pattern anyway, but sheep and goats were. According to the federal government, the cracks have increased significantly in recent years. That’s why hunters will soon be allowed to shoot more wolves under certain conditions, including as a preventive measure.
Does this announcement hurt Sven Fässler? He remains absolutely neutral. The federal government has specialists who would assess this.
Prey could be better protected
However, some farmers could protect their sheep and goats better, he adds. “It’s always a question of cooperation and willingness,” says Fässler.
It is not my job to judge the politics and behavior of sheep owners.
The public sector finances shepherd dogs and sometimes also fences. But it is not his job to judge the politics and behavior of sheep owners, says Fässler. A zoo is there to inform visitors about the animals and to carry out scientific work.
Herd protection through scent defense
He also does such scientific work in the area of herd protection. “Research work is ongoing. Among other things, we are currently developing an odorant.”
The scent is intended to naturally scare away wolves.
Farmers should be able to place this odorant around their fences, for example, explains Fässler. This is intended to naturally spurn the wolves.
A scent that scares away wolves – a different way of protecting the herd. Because Fässler certainly understands the farmers affected. “The problem is definitely there and there is a lot of understanding. “It’s important to be able to help with our messages – to protect the sheep, but also the wolf in nature,” says Fässler.