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16:17 GMT, Thursday, 29 May 2008 17:17 UK

Baby deer ventures into paddock

Baby pudu, Photograph courtesy of Peter Budd

A one-month-old baby pudu deer, the world's smallest species of deer, has ventured out into his paddock for the first time at Bristol Zoo Gardens.

The baby southern pudu is part of an international conservation breeding programme at the zoo.

Keeper Caroline Brown said the new arrival was very shy and liked to stay close to parents Bramble and Demitrio.

The deer weighed just 1kg (2.2lbs) when born and now weighs about 2kg (4.4lbs), the keeper said.

A fully grown pudu deer stands at 38cm (15in) and weighs about 9-15kg (20-33lbs).

Ms Brown said the baby pudu had started to explore the paddock on his own.

She said: "He is still suckling, but is growing very well and will soon start eating greens, pellet and fruit.

"He is also starting to explore the paddock independently and as he gets bigger he will become more confident."

The pudu originates from the rainforest areas in Chile and Argentina and is considered a vulnerable species.

Pudu numbers have declined because of predators and the destruction of their rainforest habitat.




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