A fight between two male milu over the right to mate.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Fortunately, a French missionary named Pere David introduced the deer to France in 1866. Later, a few more milu were transported to other European countries.

The scattered migrants, however, didn't fare well in Europe, until Britain's Duke Herbrand Russell managed to gather 18 milu together at Woburn Abbey in 1898. Finally, they found a sanctuary.

Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center was founded in 1985 with the aim of reintroducing milu to China. From 1985 to 1987, joint efforts brought 38 milu back to Nanhaizi Milu Park.

In 1986, Milu Natural Reserve in Dafeng, Jiangsu province, was founded, bringing another 39 milu from England. Together, these 77 milu laid the foundation for the restoration of the species in China.

As the number of milu in China increased, more nature reserves were established in areas that they were known to once inhabit. Today, they can be found in 81 areas throughout China, as over the 35 years since the milu's return, their number has grown to more than 8,000.

Notably, they have formed wild groups independent of the protection of human beings.