Terra Natura welcome a male fawn into their park with the birth of a Sambar Deer.

The Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) is the most widely spread deer species in the world and is found in many countries in the Asian Continent, it is also one of the largest.

Their diet consists of vegetation, mainly leaves and due to the protection offered to them at the Benidorm  park, they have become less shy with humans.    The young fawn has been named Pietro and is being cared for by his mother ,Takita who protects him from the herd as do the other females who treat him like one of their own 

No intervention was needed from staff at the park during the delivery although Pietro was given a full examination by Veterinary staff once delivered and received a clean bill of health.

In total eight fawns have been born in wildlife park in Benidorm since this species was introduced into the park.  There are currently 11 Sambar Deer, three female & eight males in the park. 

Captive breeding of this species requires sufficient space for the deer to develop relationships, socialize and for the courtship rituals, as well as adequate living conditions. Reproductive success is a clear indication of the welfare of the animals and that they have adapted to and are happy in their environment.

The Sambar deer has an extremely sharp sense of hearing and smell.  When threatened the Sambar deer  hide in thick vegetaion to avoid predators and sometimes jump into lakes or rivers to escape from their attackers; they are excellent swimmers.  Size and weight varies according to each individual and can range from 175 to 300 kilos. 

Take a look at some of our photos of Terra Natura.