Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve

Yotvata Hai-Bar is a breeding and protection facility for endangered desert animals in Israel's Arava Valley. It features large open enclosures for species like the Arabian oryx, scimitar oryx, and North African ostrich, displayed in their natural dry landscape setting.

The facility was founded in 1970 by Israel's Nature Reserves Authority to save animal species mentioned in biblical texts that had gone extinct in the region. The center played a key role in successfully reintroducing several of these species back into their original habitats.

The reserve's name refers to a biblical oasis, and visitors can see animals living in large open enclosures that allow natural behavior to develop. The way the place is organized connects animal protection with spiritual meaning for people who value biblical connections to these species.

The facility offers guided tours, observation points, and informational displays to understand animal care and conservation work. Visitors should come early in the day when animals are most active, and wear light clothing since desert heat can be intense.

The facility pioneered breeding Asian wild asses that were later successfully reintroduced to the distant Makhtesh Ramon, a massive crater-like basin. This was one of the first reintroduction projects of its kind, relocating a species from the reserve to another protected area.