A documentary following the preparation, capture, and translocation of Desert Bighorn Sheep from the Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area within the Trans-Pecos Ecological Region of west Texas to the Franklin Mountains in El Paso, TX.
For the first time in over a century, the call of the desert bighorn sheep echoes once again through the Franklin Mountains of El Paso, Texas.
In December 2024, a historic conservation milestone unfolded as 77 desert bighorn sheep were reintroduced into Franklin Mountains State Park. This wasn’t just a release—it was a symbol of hope, resilience, and a new chapter in Texas wildlife restoration. The effort, led by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, was made possible by a powerful coalition that included the Wild Sheep Foundation, the Texas Bighorn Society, and other dedicated partners.
The sheep, sourced from the Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area, were carefully selected, tested for disease, and fitted with GPS collars to monitor their transition into their new environment. The location—Franklin Mountains—was chosen not just for its rugged beauty, but for its biological readiness. Aoudad sheep, which carry diseases that can devastate bighorn populations, had been successfully removed, clearing the way for a safe return.
This reintroduction marks a full-circle moment in conservation history. Once driven out by overhunting, disease, and habitat loss, desert bighorns are now reclaiming the mountain slopes that had long forgotten their hoofbeats.
More than 600 people gathered to witness the release, a moment that captured the public’s imagination and reminded us all of the importance of preserving wild heritage. From the thunder of the helicopters delivering the sheep, to the sight of them leaping into the high desert terrain, it was an unforgettable scene—one born from decades of hard work and collaboration.
This is more than a wildlife story. It’s a Texas story. A story about what can happen when people come together for something greater than themselves.
The Franklin Mountains now stand not just as a backdrop to the city of El Paso, but as living proof that with vision, commitment, and cooperation, we can bring the wild back.