An endangered deer has been born in Britain for the first time.
The male white-lipped deer calf is the first of its kind to be born here.
The species is native to parts of China and Tibet.
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It is listed as vulnerable on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The species has had a 30 per cent population decline due to hunting, habitat loss and overexploitation.
It arrived at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, on Tuesday, 10 Jun.
The 170-acre reserve is dedicated to protecting endangered deer, antelope and bird species.
Molly Ruder, reserve operations manager, said, as reported by What’s The Jam, that there are only 69 white-lipped deer in the European captive population.
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“This birth is a huge moment for the species and for us,” Molly said.
“To see the very first calf born here in Norfolk, in a naturalistic setting that mirrors their wild habitat, is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
The reserve is only one of 14 facilities in Europe to be involved in the white-lipped deer European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), which aims to manage the genetic health of rare captive populations.
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The new arrival has been described as a confident little chap and has been tucked away, hiding in the site’s grasses.
The reserve said the birth highlights Norfolk’s growing role as a leader in UK conservation, and with the movement of animals between countries, adds significant value to global conservation efforts.
Molly said, “This is what Watatunga is all about, creating the conditions for wildlife to behave naturally and thrive.
“We’re not just here to showcase animals; we’re actively working toward the long-term future of species that many people may never have heard of.”
The site said its second female white-lipped deer is heavily pregnant, with another birth expected “imminently”.
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