Double deer joy in Děčín

The birth took place on Friday, 27 February and is a real rarity, because the female of this species usually gives birth to only one baby.

Both colts are males, they are doing well and their mother is taking good care of them. For the first two weeks after birth they were separated from the rest of the flock in an indoor enclosure. The reason for this was not only for the quiet needed to form a strong maternal bond, but also for protection from the cold weather.

Now, however, visitors can also see the cubs in the outdoor enclosure if they are lucky. However, it is good to keep in mind that sambar cubs guard their offspring carefully and can defend themselves actively in case of a threat.

Děčín Zoo is one of the important breeders of this endangered species. Sambar breed regularly here and in 2004 the first breeding in the Czech Republic was successful. The chicks from Děčín also travel to other European zoos.

The spotted sambar is native to the Philippines, where it is a highly endangered species. Fewer than a thousand individuals survive in the wild and their numbers are declining, mainly due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.

The twins in Děčín represent not only a joyful event, but also an important contribution to the rescue of this rare species.