Rare deer born at Newquay Zoo

A Philippine spotted deer has been born at Newquay Zoo. It’s another breeding success for the Cornish charity zoo and the first of this species to be born anywhere in the UK this year.

This is one of the rarest deer species in the world, classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It’s thought that fewer than 2,500 are left in the wild, due to illegal hunting and deforestation.

The Philippine spotted deer, also known as Prince Alfred’s deer or Visayan spotted deer, was born on January 10th. Keeper Tracey Twomey said: “With the Philippine spotted deer being one of the most globally threatened deer species, each birth is extremely important for the conservation of the species. Mother and baby are doing very well, both are strong and healthy. We look forward to seeing this little one grow up and hopefully have little ones of her own.”

This small deer is native to the Philippines. Newquay Zoo is home to mum Sookie, dad Alfie and sibling Trevor, who was born in January 2017.