Deer extinct in wild since 1939 welcomed at California zoo. See ‘wobbly newborn’

A zoo in California welcomed a “wobbly newborn” deer whose species is extinct in the wild, zookeepers said.

The Pere David’s deer is the first in the last 22 years to be born at the San Diego Safari Park and zoo staff are calling the “leggy little’s arrival extra special,” the zoo said in a May 12 Facebook post.

The baby boy, whose species has been extinct in the wild since 1939, is staying close to his mom while he “finds his footing,” zookeepers said.

Pere David’s deer grow to be about 6-feet to 7-feet long and up to 4-feet tall, according to the Lincoln Park Zoo.

They have webbed toes, giving them the ability to swim, and they eat aquatic plants, the zoo said.

In the next few weeks, zoo-goers can see the newborn in the Asian Plains habitat, zookeepers said.

Commenters jumped to the comments to express their excitement with one person saying, “Love the extra special arrival....Big Smile.”

“That’s amazing news! Congratulations on the new addition!” another wrote.

“Goodness how sweet,” someone said.

“This little one is so adorable,” one said.

This story was originally published May 13, 2025 at 1:03 PM with the headline "Deer extinct in wild since 1939 welcomed at California zoo. See ‘wobbly newborn’."