Late at night, at the wildlife acclimatization center at Agamon Hula-JNF, they received an urgent phone call from a Nature and Parks Authority inspector about a gazelle that had been hit by a moving vehicle in the Golan Heights.
The deer arrived at the clinic in very serious condition, suffering from bleeding and head injuries, and it turned out that she was in advanced pregnancy. The gazelle received immediate treatment to stabilize her condition: transfusion, pain relief and medication.
Early in the morning, Dr. Rona Nadler Valensi, veterinarian and director of the acclimatization center at Agamon Hula-JNF, arrived for further treatment and diagnosis. Dr Valensi says: "We realized we were treating two gazelles who were in a life-threatening condition. The gazelle suffered neurological damage, poor consciousness and severe eye damage. She was also heavily pregnant, and there was a good chance that due to the stress and physical condition she would start giving birth early." Indeed, after the team worked to stabilize the deer's condition, she began to show the first signs of litter.
The gazelle receives medical treatment, photo: Staff of the Wildlife Acculturation Center, Agamon Hula-JNF
When these signs began, Zvia was given medication to help with the contractions, and after about an hour it was time to remove the lead.
"This is the first time I've had a deer delivered in a 'normal' birth rather than a cesarean section," excites Dr. Valensi. "It was a unique and wonderful experience." When Dr. Smadar Tal, a specialist in veterinary gynecology, was on the line, Dr. Valensi delivered the newborn, who came out safe and sound - a new ore came into the world. But now that one drama has ended, another drama has continued - the struggle for the life of the deer.
For four days, the staff of the wildlife acclimatization center fought for the life of the deer - but despite all efforts, unfortunately, it did not survive.
In the coming days, the lead will be transferred to the Safari Wildlife Hospital and the Nature and Parks Authority, after which the possibility of integrating it into nature will be examined.
Hafra // Photo: Wildlife Accultivation Center staff, Agamon Hula-JNF
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