reintroduction of père david's deer to china began in 1985, with a herd of 20 deer (5 males and 15 females). this was followed in 1987 by a second herd, consisting of 18 deer (all females). both herds had been drawn from the woburn abbey herd and were donated by the 12th duke's grandson and successor, john. the transportation was sponsored by the world wildlife fund. the relic site of the nanyuan royal hunting garden in the southern suburbs of beijing was chosen as the site of re-introduction, creating the beijing milu park. the population in china expanded to around 2,000 in 2005.