Breeding success for endangered deer at Newquay Zoo

The most endangered deer in the world has been born at Newquay Zoo in Cornwall.

The female Philippine spotted deer was born on 23rd December and can now be seen out and about in the paddock with the rest of the herd. The new arrival was born to mother Sookie and father Alfie, and joins brother Trevor, who is coming up to a year old. She was born overnight, which is typical of the species.

Philippine spotted deer are classed as endangered in the wild, due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting, with only a few hundred animals thought to remain. Despite legal protection against poaching, the spotted deer continue to be hunted.

Newquay Zoo is part of the European Studbook for Philippine spotted deer and have been very successful in breeding this species in recent years. European zoos are working on a captive breeding programme for the deer, but their future in the wild looks uncertain.

Little is known about the spotted deer’s behaviour. In the wild they live in rainforests, eat grasses, leaves and buds, and will visit naturally burnt forest clearings to lick the mineral-rich floral ash and browse on emerging shoots. After a gestation period of approximately 240 days, the female deer will give birth to a single calf who will be weaned by six months.

For more information on visiting Newquay Zoo Environmental Park go to www.newquayzoo.org.uk or call 01637 873342.

Photo: Twycross Zoo volunteer Miriam Haas