Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle has welcomed a female pudu fawn to its family, marking the fourth offspring from parents Ted and Maggie since they were paired under the Pudu Species Survival Plan – a breeding program to ensure healthy populations of the South American species. The pudu, the world’s smallest deer, lives in the temperate rain forests of Chile and southwest Argentina, and the zoo’s fawn is its first female since 2010. All three previous pudu babies, who can reach a maximum height of 18 inches, have already moved on to accredited zoos across the US.
Tiny pudu fawn has arrived!
Header: A new addition to the family
An adorable Southern Pudu fawn was born at the Queens Zoo on 14th July 2021, making its debut appearance after just a few short days. The pudu fawn weighed just one pound and was approximately 5 inches tall at birth, making it one of the smallest deer species on the planet.
Header: The Southern Pudu deer
The Southern Pudu deer is native to the southern Andes mountains in Chile and Argentina. Due to a range of factors, including loss of habitat and hunting, this species is considered vulnerable, making the birth of this fawn extra special.
Header: The unique features
Southern Pudu deer are known for their small size and unique features, such as short legs and reddish-brown fur. They are shy creatures and prefer living in dense forest habitats where they can easily hide from predators. Their natural nocturnal behavior also adds to their elusive nature.
Header: Proud parents
The proud parents of the new fawn, mother Josephine and father Hamilton, are both in good health and have been taking great care of their little one. Visitors to the Queens Zoo can observe the pudu fawn playing and exploring its new environment in the zoo’s Forest Zone exhibit.
Header: Conservation efforts
The arrival of the pudu fawn at the Queens Zoo is a moment of joy for visitors and a win for conservation efforts. Southern Pudu deer are considered a vulnerable species, and with the birth of this fawn, the Queens Zoo is playing an active part in ensuring the survival of this unique species.
Header: Celebrating new life
The birth of the Southern Pudu fawn is a celebration of new life and a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts. This tiny fawn may be small, but it represents the strength and resilience of the animal kingdom. As we acknowledge this new addition to the world, we can also take a moment to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world around us.
