On Thursday, August 13, we celebrated Bison Day and Vânători-Neamț Natural Park Day at the Visitor Centre of the Vânători-Neamț Natural Park, together with the people who help protect, preserve and develop this remarkable place every day.
Bison Land (Ținutul Zimbrului), Romania’s certified ecotourism destination, overlaps the protected area of Vânători-Neamț Natural Park—a place where nature, local communities and authentic stories come together naturally.
We were honoured to be invited by Sebastian Cătănoiu, Director of Vânători-Neamț Natural Park, and by the entire park team. We sincerely thank them for their invitation and for the dedication they show every day in protecting nature, caring for the European bison—our destination’s iconic species—and supporting the local community.
The celebration brought together conservation, environmental education, biodiversity, local producers and inspiring stories that deserve to be shared.
Projects Supporting Nature and Local Communities
Sebastian Cătănoiu presented the park’s ongoing projects and strategic directions through which the Romsilva Administration of Vânători-Neamț Natural Park continues to strengthen the relationship between nature conservation, education and local communities.
Maria Petrariu, Mayor of Vânători-Neamț, welcomed participants to the commune, a local tourist resort currently celebrating its annual festivities.
Elena Coșofreț, representing GAL Ținutul Zimbrilor, together with Eduard and Cosmin Coșofreț, shared initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
The People Behind Bison Land
One of the greatest strengths of Bison Land is its people.
Andrei Vleju, founder of Mure Filioara, told the story of his blackberry plantation, established in 2012, proving how a simple idea can literally grow from the local soil.
Marcel Aanei, from Agapia, preserves a remarkable genetic treasure: traditional apple and pear varieties that are becoming increasingly rare. His orchard includes local varieties such as Busuioace pears, Bobinca apples, Domnești apples and around fifteen traditional pear cultivars—living stories that future generations might otherwise know only through their grandparents’ memories.
Valentina, from Ozana Natural, reminded us that local products are an essential part of the visitor experience in Bison Land.
Liliana Leonte, representing the Zimbrul Ghindăoani Cooperative, introduced products grown by the cooperative’s farmers, from tomatoes and peppers to oilseed crops, while announcing the opening of a new Local Gastronomic Point, further strengthening the destination’s culinary offer.
The Dogariu family, founders of the newest Local Gastronomic Point in Bison Land, Cabana Dogaru’, delighted participants with traditional dishes prepared using ingredients grown in their family’s gardens.
Isabela Năstase, founder of the Children’s Market (Oborul Copiilor) initiative, presented a project that reconnects children with their community, local traditions and locally made products.
The Flavours of Bison Land
No day in Bison Land would be complete without experiencing its authentic local flavours.
After the presentations, guests gathered around the table to enjoy dishes prepared by our partners from Domeniul Zimbrava, natural syrups from Cătina lui Bicu, and a rich selection of products brought by the local producers attending the event.
What Are We Really Celebrating?
For us, Bison Day is about much more than Europe’s largest land mammal.
It is about the forests that shelter it, the people who care for those forests, the farmers who cultivate the land, the local flavours, the children discovering the place they call home and the experiences that, together, shape the identity of Bison Land.
Because a destination is more than beautiful places to visit.
It is people.
It is stories.
It is what happens when a community begins to recognise the value of its own natural and cultural heritage.
Happy anniversary to Vânători-Neamț Natural Park!
Happy birthday to ROGVAIV, the youngest bison calf, officially named during this year’s celebration!
And congratulations to everyone whose passion and dedication make Bison Land far more than a destination—they make it a living landscape, where nature, culture and community continue to thrive together.
🎥 Watch the event video: https://www.tinutulzimbrului.ro/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ziua-zimbrului-2026-video.mov
