In the forest, everyone’s favorite sights are the wild animals. They move, run, jump — elusive and unpredictable. Even though our team often walks these forest trails, animal sightings are still far rarer than encountering plants, and that’s perfectly natural. After all, this is not a zoo. We don’t want animals to lose their freedom just so we can see them.
Instead, we learn how to observe, understand, and get close to animals in respectful ways.
The hunter’s perspective is one of our strengths at the Ranch. Thanks to the support of the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration, we’ve been able to use scientific tools to observe animals and practice tracking techniques that help us shift our perspective.
The animals are so near, yet so hard to spot — it’s like they exist in a parallel world within the same forest. So when we do encounter them, it feels like receiving a tremendous gift: a rare moment when two timelines briefly intersect, revealing the wonder and beauty of creation. The more we learn about wild animals, the more grateful we become. That’s why we cherish every encounter — we hope for them, but never force them. Sometimes, the quietest blessings are the most profound.
Recently, the number of Formosan muntjacs has increased, and they’ve been munching on many of our carefully planted Japanese camellia seedlings — which breaks our hearts a little. But then again, how can you not adore these forest “Bambis”? That’s the forest for you — a place where we learn not only how to survive, but also how to coexist.
The small creatures we love often cause us trouble — but surely, we trouble them too. This fascinating dynamic balance in nature is something we continue to learn from. Real coexistence requires living truthfully here, looking into the forest and searching inward — when we do, the answers reveal themselves.
Just recently, the forest sent us a sign — Xiao Ma saw a Formosan serow and held its gaze for a long time, capturing a remarkably clear photo.
You are beautiful and rare.
Thank you for letting us see you.
🌿 Be nature, be you.
