Colchester Zoo welcomes Philippine spotted deer calf

The zoo’s animal care team was excited to learn Autumn, a female Philippine spotted deer at the popular attraction, gave birth to a healthy calf on January 2.

A name for the young arrival will be decided after the team sexes the calf.

Since Autumn’s arrival in 2019, she has given birth to three calves at Colchester Zoo with her male companion Bongat.

Cute - Autumn with her new arrival (Image: Colchester Zoo)

Bongat arrived at the zoo in March 2019 from Edinburgh Zoo and was joined by Autumn two months later.

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It was hoped the two deer would become a successful breeding pair, and they haven’t disappointed, with both proving to be great parents to all their young.

Family - Autumn gave birth to her calf in January (Image: Colchester Zoo)

The Philippine spotted deer is native to the islands of Negros and Panay and is currently listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list of threatened species.

A Colchester Zoo spokesman said: “It’s great news that we have another addition to the family, helping towards the conservation of this species.”

The zoo’s family of Philippine spotted deer can be seen at the Island Dwellers enclosure at the family favourite attraction in Maldon Road.