One of the world’s rarest animals was born at the Chester Zoo in England — the Philippine spotted deer.
According to the Good News Network, the fawn, named Hercules, recently took his first steps outside. He is the latest fawn born to the zoo’s special breeding program, which is designed to boost the “highly endangered” species population.
Zoos across Europe have partnered with the Philippine government to give this rare animal a chance at growth.
Emma Evison, team manager of the Chester Zoo, stated, “After eagerly waiting 240 days for his arrival, it was a huge relief when we saw a little bundle of fur curled up next to mum Nova one morning.”
“She’s a great mum and has been doing everything perfectly so far – feeding him every few hours and keeping him right by her side,” she added.
Evison also stated, “Philippine spotted deer are incredibly rare and their decline has, for the most part, flown under the radar and only a few hundred now remain in the wild.”
“Every birth is therefore absolutely critical in boosting the safety-net population in conservation zoos across Europe,” she went on.
Stuart Young, regional field program manager for South East Asian Islands at the zoo, also explained the significance of this birth.
He noted, “Philippine spotted deer have already disappeared across many parts of the Visayan islands, where they were once found roaming in large herds.”
“Hunting and deforestation has led to the animals now only being found on two small islands, the islands of Panay and Negros,” he also pointed out.
Despite this, a 2020 reintroduction program successfully released 32 Philippine spotted deer into a protected nature reserve to encourage the animals to reproduce and thrive in the wild.
Young concluded, “Since then, a number of births in the wild has almost doubled the population and we’re very happy to report that they are thriving.”