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Arrival of endangered porcupines at Hellabrunn Zoo

Vulnerable and scarce, Two Southeast Asian deer species have found refuge in Hellabrunn – these are the elusive Indian sausages, a critically endangered breed.

Arrival of Rare Porcupines at Hellabrunn: Endangered Species Make Their Debut
Arrival of Rare Porcupines at Hellabrunn: Endangered Species Make Their Debut

Arrival of endangered porcupines at Hellabrunn Zoo

The critically endangered Schweinshirsch deer, known for its behaviour that resembles a wild boar, has made its first appearance at Munich's Hellabrunn Zoo.

Originally from countries like Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, these deer are extremely rare to see in zoos and are considered particularly sensitive. The pair of Schweinshirsch deer now resides in Munich, having been transported from Berlin's Tierpark and Zoo Dresden.

The Schweinshirsch deer, named for their behaviour when threatened, crouch and move through undergrowth with their head down, resembling a wild boar. They are smaller than deer but more robustly built. Despite their size, they are rarely seen during the day, preferring to be active in the mornings and evenings.

The transport of the deer was a small challenge due to their nervous nature. An experienced animal care team accompanied the deer to help them settle into their new home. Flutter tape was initially installed at the new exhibit to help the new residents orient themselves.

Hellabrunn Zoo is involved in a species conservation program for the Schweinshirsch deer. The zoo is participating in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for the species, aiming to contribute to the conservation of this critically endangered species.

The population of Schweinshirsch deer has significantly declined due to habitat loss and hunting. Currently, only five German zoos keep Schweinshirsch deer. The pair in Munich now resides on the former Chinese Muntjac exhibit, making offspring a possibility.

The IUCN Red List classifies Schweinshirsch deer as endangered. The debut of these deer at Hellabrunn Zoo is a significant step towards their conservation and a chance for the public to learn more about this fascinating species.

Despite the excitement, it's important to note that no information about Oktoberfest table giveaways or newsletters was provided in the paragraphs about the Schweinshirsch deer at Hellabrunn Zoo. The zoo encourages visitors to learn about the Schweinshirsch deer and their conservation efforts during their visit.

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