Tauros Arrives in Denmark: Persistence Made It Possible

After more than a year of paperwork, tests, and obstacles, the first Tauros cattle have finally set foot on Danish soil. According to Thor Hjarsen, Senior Biologist at the Hempel Foundation, the animals will not only help restore wild nature but also provide new knowledge through research.

First of all, how did you manage to bring Tauros to Denmark?

The short answer is: persistence! If I go into more detail, it has been a long and complex process that began back in the spring of 2024 – more than a year and a half ago. As the first to attempt to bring Tauros from the Netherlands to Denmark, there were many things that had to fall into place in exactly the right order. Quarantine facilities, blood tests, government permits, timing, animals – and much more. Needless to say, there have been bumps along the way. But good collaboration with everyone involved – and, of course, persistence – is what made it happen.

What has been the most difficult part of the process?

When dealing with cloven-hoofed animals – especially cattle with major economic value – there is naturally enormous focus on diseases. And we really didn’t take any chances. Beyond following the official requirements to the letter, we went much further. For example, we ran double testing programs of blood samples from all animals at accredited laboratories – not only in the Netherlands, but also here in Denmark. Just getting the blood samples chilled and delivered by express courier in time on a Friday afternoon was nerve-racking. Not to mention waiting for the results. My colleagues at the foundation followed my updates closely, and they were a huge encouragement when I had to announce “they’re coming!” only to later say, “not yet after all”... And I must admit, when they finally arrived at Rødby Harbor and stepped onto Danish soil, I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes!

Why has the Hempel Foundation worked so hard to bring Tauros to Denmark?

Quite simply because it is the right animal – the right kind of cattle – for nature projects! Tauros have the behavior, the size, and the potential to recreate the natural grazing dynamics we lost when the aurochs went extinct in 1627. All the cattle currently used in nature projects are bred for meat production, and of course adapted to that. The breeding program behind Tauros, on the other hand, has aimed to create an animal that can do much more – and maybe one day become part of our nature again.

What role will Tauros play in Saksfjed Vildmark?

First of all, they will graze, dung, and live freely, helping to restore natural dynamics. But just as importantly, we need to learn from them through research and studies. We want to compare them with other breeds of cattle used in nature projects. That’s why we launched research collaborations with universities from day one – and there is room for more! So researchers and students are more than welcome to reach out with ideas and proposals.

What can large animals like Tauros mean for biodiversity in a country like Denmark?

They will make a huge difference – I am 100% sure of that. They are no longer farm animals, but living beings whose life and purpose are part of nature – even though, of course, we still have responsibility for them. On the one hand, they are part of the story of what we have lost in terms of wildness and nature. But they are also a symbol and representative of hope and a new story of wild nature. That, in fact, is the very essence of rewilding. And it is also why we use “wilderness” as a key word.

What would you say to others working on nature restoration projects who are considering importing large animals?

I am convinced that by going first, we have paved the way for others. But above all, I would say: be persistent!

Join the day when Thor and Saksfjed Vildmark finally welcomed 30 Tauros – watch the video below: