Gazelle Valley, Urban nature park in Jerusalem, Israel
Gazelle Valley is an urban nature park with a resident herd of mountain gazelles and other wildlife including mammals, birds, and native plants. The park features multiple walking trails and observation points where visitors can watch the animals in their surroundings.
Construction of a major highway in the 1990s isolated the valley's gazelle population, cutting off animals that lived in the surrounding hills. This event triggered conservation efforts to protect the remaining herd and restore what had been lost.
The mountain gazelle featured here was once common across the eastern Mediterranean region and now survives only within this country. This place has become central to efforts that keep the species alive for future generations.
The park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset every day, with free admission for all visitors. It is best to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially on warmer days.
Since 2021, gazelles bred in this place have been released into the Jerusalem mountains to rebuild wild populations. These release programs demonstrate how the valley serves as a breeding and recovery center for the species.
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