n a conservation triumph at Chester Zoo, a Philippine spotted deer, among the world’s rarest, was joyfully welcomed in September, weighing 4.4 pounds (2kg). Standing at 12 inches tall (30cm), the adorable fawn has confidently taken his inaugural steps in the new enclosure with his devoted parents, Nova and Cosmos.
This birth is a significant contribution to a vital breeding program, offering a lifeline to a highly endangered species in the wild. The collaborative efforts between European zoos, initiated at the request of the Philippine government, aim to secure the future survival of these ultra-rare creatures.
In honor of the awaited arrival, zookeepers have bestowed upon him the name Hercules, drawing inspiration from the constellation of stars. Emma Evison, the team manager at the zoo, expressed relief and joy after a 240-day anticipation, noting that Nova has been an exceptional mother, diligently caring for her new offspring.
In keeping with our team tradition of naming newborn deer within the theme of ‘space,’ we proudly introduce Hercules, the latest addition to our family and a beacon of hope for his species. Philippine spotted deer, critically rare with only a few hundred remaining in the wild, face a perilous decline that often goes unnoticed. Each birth, like Hercules’, plays a pivotal role in fortifying the safety-net population in conservation zoos across Europe.
Stuart Young, the regional field program manager for South East Asian Islands at the zoo, sheds light on the challenges faced by these remarkable creatures. Once found in large herds across the Visayan islands, they are now confined to the smaller islands of Panay and Negros due to hunting and deforestation. Despite these threats, the concerted efforts of conservation have resulted in the successful reintroduction of 32 Philippine spotted deer into a protected nature reserve in 2020.
Thriving in their natural habitat, these deer have witnessed a promising surge in population through a series of births. As Hercules begins his journey, he symbolizes not only the resilience of his kind but also the collective dedication to securing their future. With plenty of growth ahead, Hercules holds the promise of carrying the weight of his species on his spotted back, embodying the hope for a brighter future for the Philippine spotted deer.