First ever Philippine Mouse Deer born in Britain
Xinhua, December 14, 2016 Adjust font size:
The first ever Philippine mouse deer to be bred in Britain was born at Chester Zoo in northern England, it was reported Wednesday.
Described as the size of a Christmas tree bauble, the mouse deer is one of the smallest hoofed animals in the world.
The zoo said the animal is the latest addition to a special European-wide endangered species breeding program, designed in response to the deforestation of its Asian habitat.
The animals are also poached for their meat which is considered a delicacy in parts of the Philippines.
The new arrival, a female, was born to mum Rita and dad Ramos. She was born on Nov. 16, but her arrival has only just been announced.
Curator of mammals at Chester Zoo, Tim Rowlands, said that it's the very first time the animal has been bred in the UK and to break new ground like this with a mammal species is really quite rare.
"It is great news that our newcomer will add valuable new bloodlines to the conservation breeding program in zoos. It is vitally important that we work to ensure these wonderful animals do not disappear for good," he added. Endit