Pere David Bull

The Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus) is a rare and unique species of deer that was once extinct in the wild but has been successfully reintroduced through conservation efforts. Native to the wetlands of China, this deer thrives in marshy, riverine habitats with abundant water and vegetation. The Père David’s deer bull, or male, has a shaggy, reddish-brown summer coat that turns duller and grayer in winter, providing seasonal camouflage. Unlike most deer, it has a long, tufted tail and large, splayed hooves, which help it navigate muddy environments with ease. Another distinctive feature is its antlers, which grow backward compared to those of other deer species. Historically, this species was found in China’s wetland regions, but habitat destruction and overhunting led to its extinction in the wild. Fortunately, a small population was preserved in captivity, and thanks to reintroduction programs, herds can now be found in protected reserves in China.