It was set up in 1989 through the intervention of the Zoological Society of London to safeguard a small decreasing population of the critically endangered Mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni).

The sanctuary is located in the Ahmar Mountains, the eastward extension of the Ethiopian Highlands.

[2] Mountain nyala, endemic to Ethiopia, are that country's biggest and rarest antelope, but also a most prized hunt for a few, the total cost of a photo and a head trophy ranging between US$35,000 and 50,000.

Though this animal was reported extinct in the sanctuary by 1996, it was found present in small numbers by a local count in 2002, and an Italian mission confirmed its presence in 2008.

The Ethiopian Environment Protection Authority reportedly began legal action against the hunter in December 2008.