Bringing Biblical Deer to the Holy Land

As part of our winter update, we would like to explain the significance of the release sites we choose. As you know, we recently reintroduced Persian (Mesopotamian) fallow deer into the wild at Nachal Dolev Nature Reserve, located in the scenic Judean Hills, approximately 25 kilometers from Jerusalem. This marked a significant milestone in our long-term restoration project, as it represents the first time these deer have been returned to new territory closer to Jerusalem after two decades of reintroduction in other areas.

The recent release at Nachal Dolev illustrates a bold departure from our previous methodologies. Historically, we have gradually acclimatized Persian fallow deer to the wild by using fenced areas that allowed them time to adjust to their new surroundings. However, for this release in 2025, our team implemented a more direct approach, releasing the deer into the wild without the use of a fenced acclimatization area for the first time. This strategy was informed by comprehensive research demonstrating that fallow deer are remarkably adaptable and can thrive in the Judean Hills, where abundant food and water are available.

We would also like to provide you with more detailed information about the carefully chosen release sites. The Dolev Nature Reserve is a popular destination for hikers, celebrated for its beautiful landscapes, scenic trails along Nahal Dolev (Dolev Creek), and lush pine forests. Visitors can explore key attractions such as the circular Har Yaala and Dolev River trail, the Twins Caves (Ma'arat HeTeumim), and remnants of an ancient Roman-era road. Nearby, the archaeological site of Khirbet Beit Itab features ancient agricultural terraces, a 12th-century Crusader farm, and eucalyptus groves planted by the British Army during the Mandate period. This area combines incredible natural beauty with significant archaeological interest, making it an ideal setting for visitors to explore both the environment and history. Today, a thriving orchard surrounds the ruins, filling the spring air with vibrant colors and delightful scents. It is an ideal area to release deer back into the wild.

Thank you for your continued support in protecting this rare and majestic species. Your generosity makes this vital work and its successes possible.

We’re pleased to share an update on the Persian fallow deer following our spring release in March 2025. As part of our ongoing reintroduction efforts, the deer were fitted with advanced solar-powered tracking collars, allowing us to monitor their movements in 15-minute intervals, 24 hours a day.

While the release has yielded promising insights, we also faced difficult challenges. Sadly, two deer were lost within the first two months: one entered the area of Moshav Bar Giora and fell victim to feral dogs; the second, a male, went missing and was later presumed poached after we discovered his cut collar near Nes Harim. These incidents underscore the ongoing threats that reintroduced wildlife face and remind us why your support remains so vital.

On a more hopeful note, the remaining deer have stayed within the Hirbat Beit Atab National Park and Dolev Nature Reserve—close to their release site. We’ve observed a particularly intriguing behavior from two individuals, a male and a female, who have taken to spending time in the gardens at the edge of the nearby village of Nes Harim. While this has brought joy and fascination to many local residents, we are working closely with the community to discourage interaction and prevent habituation, helping the deer retain their natural behaviors and avoid dependency on human environments.

Thank you for your continued support in protecting this rare and majestic species. Your generosity makes this work—and its successes—possible.