Persian fallow deer

Somewhat larger than its European cousin, by 1951 the Persian fallow deer was thought to be extinct. However, in 1955, a small number were found in a dense forested area near Iran, enabling conservationists to obtain specimens. It is the ancestors of these deer that form the majority of today’s zoo populations.

Like the European fallow deer, their distinctive spots are designed to camouflage them in woodland and their large ears, excellent eyesight and good scenting ability means they are skilled at sensing danger.

Male fallow deer have striking antlers, but unlike the European fallow deer, they do not have a large flattened ‘palm’ on the upper part of the antlers.