Carmel Hai-Bar Nature Reserve, Wildlife breeding and acclimation center in the Carmel Mountains, Israel
Carmel Hai-Bar Nature Reserve is a 610-hectare breeding and acclimation center run by the Israel Nature Reserves and National Parks Authority, set in the Carmel mountains within Mount Carmel National Park. Its enclosures hold species bred for return to northern Israel's Mediterranean forest, among them Persian fallow deer, griffon vultures, mountain gazelles, roe deer, wild goats and fire salamanders. The University of Haifa stands next to the entrance.
The reserve was created in 1973 to bring back animal species that had disappeared from the region. This was an early effort to restore nature to Israel's northern Mediterranean areas.
The place serves as a learning center where visitors discover how endangered animals are protected and brought back to their natural habitats. People come here to see conservation efforts in action through guided experiences and educational programs.
The reserve is located near Haifa University and is easily reached by car. It is best to visit during mild weather in spring or autumn when the animals are more active.
During the December 2010 Mount Carmel fire, staff and rescue teams refused to evacuate the reserve. They cut fire breaks and, under heavy smoke, captured endangered raptors, wild sheep and wild goats and moved them to safety; territorial fallow deer were released into the open forest to flee the flames. Most of the rare animals survived.
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