The Père David’s deer, or Milu, had disappeared from the wild in China by the early 20th century, making its later return an unusual conservation story. In 1993 and 1994, 64 Milu were transferred to the Hubei Shishou Milu National Nature Reserve, an island reserve along the Yangtze River. Then, during a severe flood in May 1998, 36 animals escaped and crossed the swollen river. What followed was an unexpected experiment in natural re-wilding, as the deer found new habitats, bred and gradually established populations beyond the reserve. Today, the descendants of these deer that got displaced by the flood once, continue to thrive in the wild, offering researchers valuable insights into the species' resilience and adaptability.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
