Philippine spotted deer fawn born at Bristol Zoo Project

A Philippine spotted deer fawn was born at the Bristol Zoo Project to parents Eugene and Pandora; the species is seriously endangered with fewer than 700 individuals reported in the wild, and the zoo is asking the public to vote on a name.

A Philippine spotted deer fawn has been born at the Bristol Zoo Project. The species is seriously endangered and is reported to have fewer than 700 individuals remaining in the wild. The fawn is a few weeks old and was born to parents Eugene and Pandora, who already have an older offspring named Maliit. The zoo described the birth as meaningful for the species and said the new fawn is active and feeding well. Key details: - Species and appearance: The Philippine spotted deer keeps its spotted coat into adulthood, unlike some other deer that lose spots as they mature. - Birth and family: The fawn was born at Bristol Zoo Project to parents Eugene and Pandora; an older brother, Maliit, was born last year. - Size and age: The animal is a few weeks old, weighing about 2.9 kg and measuring roughly 30 cm tall. - Conservation context: The species faces threats from habitat loss and illegal hunting; fewer than 700 are reported in the wild. Bristol Zoo Project participates in an international breeding programme and has worked with communities in the Philippines since 2014 to reduce hunting and protect forests on Panay and Negros islands. - Naming: The zoo is inviting the public to vote on a name via its Facebook page, with choices listed as Buwan, Cebu, and Mabilis. Summary: The fawn's birth contributes to ongoing conservation and breeding efforts for a seriously endangered species and represents a notable addition to the zoo's programme. The zoo has opened a public vote to choose a name, and the older sibling may be involved in future breeding arrangements as he reaches maturity. Undetermined at this time.