Ellie the Tufted Deer Fawn

In the wild, spring and summer are the optimum times for deer to give birth – giving fawns time to grow, start eating solid food, and mature before winter. Even though the animals in the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Prospect Park Zoo do not have to worry about preparing for winter, the zoo’s tufted deer decided to have a summer baby this year.

Little Ellie is the second fawn born to mother Lucy and father Gage. Her big sister, Roxanne, was born last November. Ellie was born early in the morning on July 19. The deer keeper arrived at the exhibit just in time to watch the exciting moment – one of the best aspects of a keeper’s job.

Roxanne has been curious about her new sibling, but like many youngsters, has been vying for mom’s attention over the new born. One morning, after watching mom care for Ellie, Roxanne turned around and stomped her feet and snorted. Could it be jealousy?

Ellie has been a precocious youngster from the start. She followed Lucy into the exhibit and walked around, sniffing and examining the leaves she will soon start munching. Even though Gage is a dad for the second time, he still seems a little unsure about yet another tiny fawn following him around. Like many species, rearing tufted deer young is left completely up to mom. Dad’s role is protection of the family.

Tufted deer are native to the southeastern region of China where they live in high, damp forests. They are secretive and crepuscular (meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn) which is one reason there is not much known about their population status in the wild. What is certain is that, like many species, their numbers are decreasing due to habitat loss and hunting.

Luckily, Ellie and her family have a habitat that is safe at WCS’s Prospect Park Zoo. And with WCS working across the tufted deer’s range to save wildlife and wild environs, the tufted deer and other animals that share their native habitat may have a better chance at long-term survival.