Tiny South American Deer Makes Its Debut at New York City’s Queens Zoo
The Queens Zoo in New York City has welcomed a new addition that’s capturing hearts — a tiny South American deer known as the southern pudu. This adorable fawn, one of the world’s smallest deer species, is now ready to make its debut.
Born Small, Growing Strong On June 21, a southern pudu fawn was born, weighing just 2 pounds (under 1 kilogram). As this delicate creature matures, it will only reach a weight between 15 to 20 pounds (7 to 9 kilograms), roughly the size of a watermelon. Despite its small stature, the southern pudu plays a significant role in wildlife conservation.
Conservation Status The southern pudu is classified as “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Native to Chile and Argentina, this species faces declining populations due to habitat development and the introduction of invasive species. The conservation efforts at the Queens Zoo, in collaboration with other zoos, are crucial for maintaining a genetically diverse population of southern pudus.
A Growing Family The Queens Zoo has been actively involved in breeding southern pudus to support conservation. Since 2005, eight pudu fawns have been born at the zoo. The latest newborn will share its habitat with its parents, contributing to the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve this unique species. Additionally, two more southern pudus reside at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Prospect Park Zoo in Brooklyn.
The debut of this tiny southern pudu fawn is not only a delight for zoo visitors but also a significant step in wildlife conservation. As the fawn grows and thrives at the Queens Zoo, it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving endangered species for future generations.
