A STAR IS FAWN
Marwell Zoo have welcomed a rare new arrival...
This rare Javan Chevrotain – also known as a mouse deer – has just been born at Marwell Zoo. The tiny youngster is one of the smallest hoofed animals in the world, and was brought into the world by parents Gus and Gwen at the zoo’s Energy for Life: Tropical House.
Weighing approximately 370 grams at birth.
Keepers say the youngster is doing well, though their interactions are minimal due to the sensitivity of the species.
Tim Rowlands, Marwell Zoo’s Hoofstock Team Leader, explains: ‘There are very few zoos who care for any of the mouse deer species as they are so small in size, very secretive, and nocturnal, so any youngster born is great news for the conservation breeding programme.
‘It’s vitally important that we work to ensure these wonderful animals do not disappear for good,’ Tim says.
In the wild, this nocturnal species is found on the island of Java in Indonesia.
They are hunted and traded both as pets and as wild meat.
When born, the young are the size of a rat and can run and jump soon after birth.
The young suckle only occassionally, and only at night.
Marwell is a conservation charity and is facing its toughest challenge in its nearly 50 year history due to the pandemic.
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