Chemnitz Zoo: Offspring of a rare deer species
Animal park and wildlife park are still open
On 27 March, the keepers at Chemnitz Zoo discovered a female fawn in the large outdoor enclosure with the Vietnam sika deer. As a typical "nest fugitive" already fully furred and with fully developed sensory organs, the fawn is able to follow its mother shortly after birth. However, it often spends the first few days lying in different places on the enclosure, where it is difficult to spot.
The juvenile coat of the sika deer does not differ quite as much from the appearance of the adult animals as we know it from red deer and roe deer, for example. Nevertheless, the spots also fulfil the purpose of camouflage here. The fawn blends in with its surroundings. In the meantime, however, it can often be seen on the grounds, usually close to its mother.
There are also rare species among the more than 250 animal species at Chemnitz Zoo. This is the case with the deer species. With the Vietnamese sika deer and the Prince Alfred deer, the zoo is home to two critically endangered deer species that are not often seen in zoos.
The keeping of Vietnam sika deer only began in 2019. One female sika deer each came to Chemnitz Zoo from Karlsruhe Zoological Garden and Berlin Zoo. The two males came from Usti nad Labem Zoo in the Czech Republic. This combination of animals from different zoological institutions is an example of the work of coordinated conservation breeding.
As a species, sika deer are not endangered. Originally from East Asia, this deer species is now found in many parts of the world - including Germany - as a result of colonisation. However, individual subspecies are threatened with extinction or are already extinct in the wild - which often has to do with a very limited distribution area.
In the case of the Vietnam sika deer, it is sometimes even assumed that this subspecies probably no longer exists in the wild.
There are currently around 300 animals living in zoological institutions - and now another one at Chemnitz Zoo. This means that the zoo can once again report successful participation in a conservation breeding programme.
Zoo and wildlife enclosure remain open
The outdoor facilities of the zoo and the wildlife enclosure may remain open - in accordance with the nationwide Infection Protection Act in force since 24 April. The conditions and rules for registration and visits remain unchanged.
Visitors to both facilities are asked to inform themselves in advance about these conditions and rules on the zoo's homepage. You can also register for a visit via the zoo's website.
It should also be noted that no questions - either by telephone or e-mail - can be answered at weekends. Frequently asked questions are explained in detail and clearly on the homepage.
Opening hours in April:
Zoo: 9 am to 7 pm, last admission 6 pm
Game enclosure: 8 am to 6 pm, last admission 5 pm