Arabian Oryx Thrive in Restored Habitat at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve

Arabian oryx herds in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. (SPA)
Arabian oryx herds in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. (SPA)
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Arabian Oryx Thrive in Restored Habitat at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve

Arabian oryx herds in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. (SPA)
Arabian oryx herds in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. (SPA)

The Saudi Press Agency captured breathtaking scenes of Arabian oryx herds finding refuge beneath acacia trees in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, the Agency said on Sunday.
These majestic creatures are making a successful comeback thanks to the reserve's reintroduction program launched in February 2022.
The Arabian oryx, known for its distinctive color and elegant features, now grazes freely amidst the reserve's valleys and ravines, creating a picture of perfect harmony between nature and wildlife.
The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve serves as a sanctuary for wildlife.
In April 2022, the reserve witnessed the first birth of an Arabian oryx, followed by the release and subsequent births of Arabian gazelles, red-necked ostriches, and other species. This ongoing program aims to establish self-sustaining populations and contribute to a balanced and sustainable ecosystem.



Pamplona Holds Opening Bull Run during San Fermín Festival

Participants run ahead of bulls during the first "encierro" (bull-run) of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on July 7, 2025. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP)
Participants run ahead of bulls during the first "encierro" (bull-run) of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on July 7, 2025. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP)
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Pamplona Holds Opening Bull Run during San Fermín Festival

Participants run ahead of bulls during the first "encierro" (bull-run) of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on July 7, 2025. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP)
Participants run ahead of bulls during the first "encierro" (bull-run) of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on July 7, 2025. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP)

Thousands of daredevils ran, skidded and tumbled out of the way of six charging bulls at the opening run of the San Fermín festival Monday.

It was the first of nine morning runs during the famous celebrations held in the northern Spanish city of Pamplona.

The bulls pounded along the twisting cobblestone streets after being led by six steers. Up to 4,000 runners take part in each bull run, which takes place over 846 meters (2,775 feet) and can last three to four minutes.

Most runners wear the traditional garb of white trousers and shirt with red sash and neckerchief. The expert Spanish runners try to sprint just in front of the bull's horns for a few death-defying seconds while egging the animal on with a rolled newspaper.

Thousands of spectators watch from balconies and wooden barricades along the course. Millions more follow the visceral spectacle on live television.

Unofficial records say at least 15 people have died in the bull runs over the past century. The deadliest day on record was July 13, 1980, when four runners were killed by two bulls. The last death was in 2009.

The rest of each day is for eating, drinking, dancing and cultural entertainment, including bull fights where the animals that run in the morning are slain in the bull ring by professional matadors each afternoon.

The festival was made internationally famous by Ernest Hemingway’s classic 1926 novel “The Sun Also Rises” about American bohemians wasting away in Europe.