On 6th December 2024, our Animal Care Team were delighted to discover that Philippine spotted deer, Autumn and Bongat, had welcomed their fifth calf at Colchester Zoo!
Dad, Bongat, arrived at Colchester Zoo in March 2019 from Zoo Liberec, Czechia, shortly followed by mum, Autumn, who arrived in May 2019 from Edinburgh Zoo. The pair were matched together as part of a breeding recommendation, in the hope that they would successfully raise young. It was definitely a true love match after now welcoming a total of five calves at the Zoo!
This species of deer is currently listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, so it’s great news that we have been able to welcome another addition to the family, helping towards the conservation of these animals.
Philippine spotted deer come from the Philippines in south-east Asia and can be found in dense forest areas on rugged slopes. This species can be easily recognised by their distinct pattern of buff-coloured spots scattered across their dark brown back and sides. Only the male deer grow short antlers which are around 25cm long.
The young arrival is yet to be sexed and named by the team, but it is likely that the name will begin with the letter ‘G’ as our family group are all named alphabetically, with mum Autumn, dad, Bongat, and their previous young, Clive, Dot, Eugene and Flynn.
Be sure to see our family of Philippine spotted deer on your next visit at our Island Dwellers habitat located near to Tiger Taiga.
