United States - August 15, 2024

A southern pudu fawn, one of the world’s smallest deer species, has captured the hearts of visitors at the Queens Zoo following its debut on August 15, 2024. Born on June 21, weighing approximately 2 pounds, the fawn now shares an enclosure with its parents at the Wild Side exhibit.

Fully grown, southern pudus can reach weights of 15 to 20 pounds and stand between 14 to 17 inches tall. Known for their diminutive size and shy demeanor, these deer are native to the forests and scrublands of Chile and Argentina, where their populations face challenges from habitat loss due to development, agriculture, and other human activities.

The Queens Zoo, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, actively participates in the Species Survival Plan for southern pudus, aimed at maintaining genetic diversity and supporting conservation efforts. Since initiating the pudu breeding program in 2005, the zoo has celebrated the birth of eight fawns, contributing to the preservation of this near-threatened species.

Visitors to the Wild Side exhibit can also explore other species of the Americas, including Andean bears, pumas, and Roosevelt elk, highlighting the zoo's commitment to education and wildlife conservation.