Four Ibex Rescued From Deep Pool in Arava Desert

An unusual rescue operation concluded successfully over the weekend in the Vardit stream in the Arava desert, after four adult ibex became trapped for several days in a deep, slippery pool and could not escape. The rescue began after hikers reported seeing the ibex stuck in the pool. Initially, the Nature and Parks Authority decided to wait, hoping the animals would escape on their own to minimize human intervention. After several days, when it became clear they were unable to get out, a Nature and Parks Authority ranger and the regional manager descended to the site and managed to rescue two of the ibex. A wooden ramp was left behind, with the hope that the remaining two would use it to exit independently.

When further intervention was deemed necessary, the Nature and Parks Authority contacted the Arava Rescue Unit, which has a long-standing collaboration with the authority in the region, assisting in both human and animal rescue operations. The rescue was complex due to the pool's remote location, accessible only by foot, and the lack of cellular service. The rescue was also performed without tranquilizing the animals.

On the weekend, volunteers from the Arava Rescue Unit, including a team specializing in high-angle rescues, arrived with the necessary equipment. Upon entering the pool, they discovered one of the two remaining ibex had already managed to escape on its own, leaving only one ibex inside. After several hours of joint effort, utilizing rescue equipment, experience, and professionalism from the Arava Rescue Unit and the Nature and Parks Authority ranger, the final ibex was safely extracted. All four ibex were out of the pool and in good condition.

Meshesh Dayan, a ranger for the Central Arava region at the Nature and Parks Authority, stated, "We received several reports from hikers about four ibex stuck in the pool. We initially gave them time, but when we saw it wasn't happening, we decided to intervene. We managed to rescue two and left a ramp for the others. We were happy to discover this morning that one had already gotten out by himself. With the help of the unit, we rescued the last one. Seeing all four out and in good condition after days of being stuck is a great satisfaction." He thanked the hikers for reporting and the Arava Rescue Unit for their immediate assistance.