In a tale that seems straight out of a storybook, a Chinese water deer has captured the attention of many in Shanghai after embarking on an epic journey of endurance that saw it trek from Shanghai Binjiang Forest Park to the waters west of Chongming Island.

This remarkable feat—which unfolded over several days—was confirmed by the staff at Shanghai Binjiang Forest Park on Oct 21, leaving many in awe of the deer's resilience and spirit.

The saga began on the morning of Oct 16 when local fishermen found an exhausted water deer floating in the waters. Concerned for its well-being, the fishermen promptly alerted the authorities.

On closer inspection, they were astonished to find that the water deer was equipped with a GPS collar, a crucial detail that enabled the authorities to trace its origins back to the forest park where it had previously lived.

Recognizing the need for immediate care and attention, the water deer was temporarily relocated to the Mingzhu Lake Water Deer Protection Zone in Chongming, where it received expert treatment and support.

Thanks to the swift intervention and dedicated efforts of the park staff, the deer quickly regained its strength and health.

Commenting on the unusual journey of the water deer, a staff member from the park said: "While water deer are known to be good swimmers, we've never witnessed such a long-distance swim before."

The vigilance and prompt action of the fishermen played a crucial role in ensuring the deer's safety—preventing a potentially tragic outcome had it reached land outside of a protected area.

The Chinese water deer, scientifically known as Hydropotes inermis, is a small and timid species native to the region, with historical roots in areas like the Liaodong Peninsula and the banks of the Yangtze River.

Once abundant in Shanghai, the species faced challenges due to habitat loss and hunting, leading to its disappearance from the region in the 1980s.

Shanghai initiated the reintroduction of the water deer in 2007, employing breeding and training programs to establish a self-sustaining population. Over the years, a total of 315 deer have been released back into the wild across various parks and nature reserves in Shanghai.

Source: Shanghai Observer