In the Plaiul Cucului Wildlife Park in Bihor County, the NEXON electric shepherd device (technically an impulse generator) operates on wire mesh. Florin Cuc, the operator of the Wildlife Park in Bihor County, has reinterpreted traditional electric shepherd solutions by designing a fence system that is both conventional and innovative.
“It was risky; I don’t know anyone who has built something similar—especially on such a large scale!” He emphasizes that the core of the system is our impulse generator. As a result, the electric shepherd surrounding the park effectively keeps large buffaloes, bison, and oxen inside while keeping wolves out.. But how does this reinterpreted system work in our small natural reserve? We set out to find out!
“Since my childhood, I have felt a deep connection with nature—a love I believe is in my blood. The stories of my father and grandfather played a key role in building that connection. They taught me that nature is magical, where everything is alive and boundless. I was always fascinated by the new things I discovered in forests, fields, or by lakes because in nature nothing is the same. There are no straight lines or sharp boundaries—only a play of shapes and colors that compels you to stop and admire,” confesses long-time client Florin Cuc, whose conviction is that his park in Romania is like a small Hortobágy in Hungary.
On its several-hectare grounds known as Plaiul Cucului, dozens of animals roam freely—including bison, buffaloes, ostriches, Zebu cattle, llamas, alpacas, cows, deer, and donkeys. Visitors can view them all because, as he explains, “I aimed to create a place where people can experience nature firsthand, where childhood stories come to life, and where every visitor—even if only for a few moments—can experience the freedom of nature.”
The Plaiul Cucului Wildlife Park spans 93 hectares. It opened its gates three years ago and has become increasingly popular with visitors. However, building such a place required a well-designed protection system since dangerous situations are common in a wildlife park—and without proper protection, wildlife damage can occur every day. Wolf attacks are the most dangerous, but it is not uncommon for large animals to break free and wander off. In these cases, the electric shepherd proves extremely effective.
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But what kind of electric shepherd system keeps large-bodied buffalo and bison contained while keeping wolves at bay?
Florin explains that this was one of his biggest challenges. He decided to reinterpret the electric shepherd concept by securing the wire fence over a 43-hectare area using electric shepherd insulators attached to posts—instead of conventional fixtures—to completely isolate the wire mesh. He then connected an impulse generator manufactured by us. Since then, no predator has even attempted to breach the fence, and the park’s animals remain within their designated area. This unique combination provides enhanced security, as the fence can be seen as serving two functions.
It is important to note that not every wire conducts electricity well, and not every wire fence is suitable for an electric shepherd system. Proper insulation of the wire mesh using dedicated electric shepherd insulators is mandatory, and all applicable guidelines must be followed. Continuous monitoring and regular clearing of undergrowth are also essential.
“When I shared my plan with others, everyone said it was unfeasible. But it made sense to me, and later an electrician friend confirmed: the more wires you have, the lower the current loss. Initially, I took a risk—and it worked. I installed all the insulators, hung the wire on them, activated the BeastShock, and it functioned perfectly,” he exclaims with enthusiasm.
What’s the Secret of the Wire Mesh NEXON Electric Shepherd?
- A NEXON BeastShock 8.5J electric shepherd
- Numerous extra heavy-duty NEXON ring insulators
- Wire mesh made from galvanized wire
- Continuous cleaning
“The better the grounding, the better the current flows. The better the impulse generator, the more efficient the system,” states the park owner, sharing his insight on how this special system works.
Unlike traditional electric shepherds, the wire mesh is not only more visible but also forms a sturdier barrier that alone deters animals from approaching. Moreover, the electric shepherd function offers extra protection—Florin is convinced that “wild animals sense the electricity; they don’t even have to touch the fence to know that danger lurks.”
At the core of his system is an impulse generator manufactured by us—the NEXON BeastShock 8.5J—one of the best choices when comprehensive protection is needed. With an output energy of 8.5J and a peak voltage of 13,000V, it ensures maximum safety. This top-tier model is fully adjustable, allowing the impulse strength and speed to be tailored to specific requirements.
Recommended for both domestic and wild animals, it is particularly well-suited for the wildlife park because the BeastShock continuously monitors the fence’s condition and the battery voltage. It alerts via LED when the battery voltage drops below critical levels or when the fence voltage falls significantly due to overgrown vegetation or damage. In such cases, the system sends short, high-voltage but low-current electric impulses through the wire fence. Although these impulses are not dangerous, they cause an unpleasant sensation—teaching the animals quickly that approaching the fence is not worthwhile.
For insulating the wire mesh, Florin used our NEXON extra heavy-duty ring insulators. These ring insulators, treated with wood preservative and containing iron in their rings, are specifically recommended for wooden posts. They are suitable for wires, cables, and even narrower tapes. When installing them, he arranged them densely to ensure the mesh was well isolated from the posts and sufficiently raised from the ground. It is also important that the galvanized wire used for the mesh has good conductivity to serve its purpose—protecting and keeping the animals away.
In some areas of the park, he also used cable where a simpler electric fence solution was sufficient. He is grateful for the combined protection, noting that it is particularly important to physically restrain large animals—such as bison, deer, or buffalo—that can easily break through conventional fences and even damage the tapes or cables of electric shepherd systems.
He adds that the system’s efficiency depends on constant maintenance. Fallen branches on the mesh can weaken the impulses, so Florin continuously monitors and cleans the fence whenever necessary. In this way, the wire mesh design is not only practical but also cost-effective and sustainable over the long term. It is safe and environmentally friendly.
Would you give it a try?