Scottish zoo welcomes birth of of rare endangered animal

A SCOTTISH zoo has welcomed the birth of an endangered animal of which only 700 are believed to remain in the wild.

On Wednesday, Edinburgh Zoo shared photos of the newborn Visayan spotted deer, born to pair Lyra and Pablo.

The calf was born on September 23 and keepers have said it is doing well and will be named soon.

(Image: RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo is now home to four Visayan spotted deer. The adorable calf joins Lyra, Pablo and Watson.

Visayan spotted deer, also known as Philippine spotted deer and Prince Alfred's deer, are native to the Philippines. They are found in the rainforests of the Visayan Islands.

The deer are known for their soft dark-brown coat and spots on their backs and flanks. They also have pale white fur on their underside.

Visayan spotted deer are a nocturnal species, meaning they emerge at dusk to feed. Their diet is made up of various types of grasses, leaves, and buds.

(Image: RZSS) According to Edinburgh Zoo, the spotted deer are social animals. In the wild, they are usually found in small groups of three to five.

Due to threats such as deforestation, hunting by both locals and sport hunters, and live trapping for the pet trade, it is estimated that there are as few as 700 remaining in the wild.

The species is on the brink of extinction and has already become regionally extinct on several islands in the Philippines.

Now, Visayan spotted deer can only be found on the islands of Panay and Negros.