Hey wildlife lovers! 🌿🦌
This week, at the Shishou Milu National Nature Reserve in the Tian-e-zhou wetland of the Yangtze River, Shishou City, Hubei Province, in the Chinese mainland, staff and researchers gathered to mark the 40th anniversary of the Milu’s return to the Chinese mainland. The highlight? The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially adopted "Milu" as the global name for this iconic deer, swapping out its old tag "Pere David’s Deer." 🎉
"Milu" is more than a name—it’s a tribute to the Chinese mainland’s cultural roots. These deer, nicknamed "sibuxiang" or "four-unlikes" thanks to their unique antlers and coat, have been recorded in classic texts like the Book of Rites and the Compendium of Materia Medica. Meng Qinghui, from the Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, pointed out that the character "Mi" appears in oracle bone scripts dating back thousands of years.
Why does the name change matter? For one, it shines a spotlight on the Chinese mainland’s successful conservation story. Once extinct in the wild, these deer were bred in Europe in the early 20th century before a small group returned in 1985. Today, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, Milu roam free in reserves like Shishou’s Tian-e-zhou—proof that humans can rewrite extinction stories.
This global naming update is a win for biodiversity awareness. It helps unify conservation communications and gives this deer a name that echoes its heritage. For young travelers and nature fans, the next time you spot Milu videos online or plan a wildlife trip in Asia, you’ll know exactly what to call these gentle giants. 🌏❤️
Experts say this milestone reminds us that every species has a story worth saving. Here’s to more wins for wildlife in 2026 and beyond! 📚✨
Reference(s):
IUCN adopts name 'Milu' for the animal known as 'Pere David's Deer'
cgtn.com
