On a scorching hot noon, the gate of Gazelle Valley Park in Jerusalem stood closed but not locked. Driven by curiosity, I pushed it open and entered the gazelle's haven. Located between the bustling residential neighborhoods and busy roads of Givat Mordechai, Rose Hill, Herzog Street, and Begin Road, Gazelle Valley Park is a sprawling 20-hectare oasis. This urban natural treasure offers a rare and serene experience, blending wildlife with city life and providing a unique opportunity to encounter a herd of endangered Mountain Gazelles.
A Brief History of Gazelle Valley Park
In the past, the valley was home to a herd of 33 gazelles that roamed among apple orchards. However, in 1993, the construction of the Begin Road left the herd confined within the city's boundaries, surrounded by roads and buildings. Over time, the herd dwindled due to predation by dogs and jackals, and vehicle collisions. At one point, plans for residential development threatened to erase this natural sanctuary.
Fortunately, a determined community struggle emerged, with residents advocating for the preservation of the valley as an open space for the diverse population of Jerusalem and a safe habitat for the gazelles. This effort culminated in 2008 when the development plans were shelved, and the vision for an urban nature park was approved. Managed by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, Gazelle Valley Park officially opened in 2015, representing one of the most significant and celebrated planning achievements in the country.
A Unique Urban Safari Experience
Today, Gazelle Valley is Israel's largest urban nature site, home to about 110 gazelles as of spring 2024. The park offers visitors an experience akin to a safari, with conditions mirroring those in the wild. The gazelles huddle together in cold weather, tend to their fawns, battle for territories, and mark their spaces in various ways. They share the park with a rich variety of birds, animals, insects, flowers, and plants, creating a diverse ecosystem within the city.
The valley boasts a range of natural features: vegetation characteristic of the Jerusalem Hills, local and migratory birds, insects, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. Visitors can explore shaded siting areas, observation huts that allow for discreet wildlife viewing, and a fascinating water system that supports the valley's flora and fauna while managing rainwater runoff. A turtle shelter rehabilitates and releases turtles that were once kept as pets.
The Symbolism and Beauty of the Israeli Gazelle
The gazelle, or gazelle gazella, holds a special place in the Land of Israel, often referred to as the "Land of the Gazelle" in the Bible. The Israeli gazelle is the only large herbivore remaining in Israel with a wide distribution, yet it is endangered. Gazelles thrive in open grasslands, feeding mainly on plants of the cereal family. Known for their agility, they can leap up to two meters high and run at speeds of up to eighty kilometers per hour. Males are larger than females, with more pronounced, straight horns.
Since 2021, the park has also played a role in rewilding efforts, releasing dozens of gazelles back into various locations across Israel.
A Personal Journey Through the Valley
As I wandered through the valley, I immediately spotted a gazelle keeping its distance from me, moving gracefully through the landscape. I reached a lake where waterfowl swam, and spur-winged lapwings stood at the water’s edge, their reflections shimmering on the surface. Around the lake, wooden seating areas provided spots for visitors to relax and take in the scenery, some of which were occupied by people savoring the park's tranquility.
Continuing my walk, I encountered more gazelles, young and old. They became alert when they heard the clicks of my camera. Some paused to observe me from a distance, assessing the "danger," making photography surprisingly easy. Others moved away, maintaining their cautious grace. One gazelle stood its ground, stamping its feet as it watched me warily.
Stopping at a vantage point above a large puddle, I noticed a kingfisher perched on a branch over the water. Suddenly, it dove into the water, emerging moments later with a frog clasped in its beak—a moment of nature’s drama that I was fortunate to witness through my telephoto lens.
I continued my journey through fruit trees typical of Israel and lush vegetation, enjoying the beauty of the surroundings. I arrived at one of the hiding huts near a stream, where I sat for about an hour, soaking in the sounds of the water and the peace of the setting. To my delight, a Common Moorhen briefly emerged from the bushes before running back to the bushes. Soon after, a graceful prinia and a bulbul appeared, followed by a striking grey wagtail. The wagtail, with its vibrant yellow belly and dark gray wings, perched on a stone in the stream, its tail in constant motion. I marveled at its beauty, "Wow! what a beautiful bird," feeling privileged to capture such a sight for my first time. Nearby, a young gazelle approached the stream, cautiously drinking and nibbling on the lush vegetation.
Smiling, I made my way back towards the lake, where two dragonflies performed a delicate dance over the water while they were tight together, touching not touching the water. I sat on the ground to film while beads of sweat dripping down my face in this hot day of early September, captivated by the gentle choreography of the dragonflies, while in the background a little grebe surfaced nearby, diving repeatedly in a playful rhythm.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Leaving Gazelle Valley Park, I felt a deep sense of joy and gratitude for the opportunity to experience such extraordinary natural beauty in the heart of Jerusalem. The park is not just a home for gazelles but a testament to the resilience of nature and the power of community action in preserving it. It is a place where wildlife and urban life coexist harmoniously, offering a sanctuary for both the animals and the people who come to witness them.
For those seeking a connection to nature amidst the urban landscape, Gazelle Valley Park is a hidden gem that promises an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of the wild, right in the heart of the city.
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