The Cutest New Addition at Queens Zoo in New York City
A tiny South American deer that will weigh only as much as a watermelon when fully grown is making its debut at the Queens Zoo in New York City. The southern pudu fawn weighed just 2 pounds (just under 1 kilo) when it was born June 21, the Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs New York City’s zoos, said in a news release Thursday. It is expected to weigh 15 to 20 pounds (7 to 9 kilograms) in adulthood.
The southern pudu, one of the world’s smallest deer species, is listed as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is native to Chile and Argentina, where its population is decreasing because of factors including development and invasive species.
The Queens Zoo breeds southern pudus in collaboration with other zoos in an effort to maintain genetically diverse populations, the conservation society said. Eight pudu fawns have been born there since 2005.
The newborn fawn will share a Queens Zoo habitat with its parents. There are two more pudus at the conservation society’s Prospect Park Zoo in Brooklyn.
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In exciting news from the Queens Zoo in New York City, a charming new addition has captured the hearts of visitors. The southern pudu fawn, weighing just 2 pounds at birth, is set to steal the show as it grows to weigh as much as a watermelon in adulthood. This species, one of the smallest in the world, faces threats in its native habitat of Chile and Argentina, making conservation efforts crucial. The Queens Zoo is actively involved in breeding these precious deer to ensure their survival for future generations. Visit the zoo today to witness the magic of the pudu fawn and learn more about these fascinating creatures.
