We have a small herd of white-lipped deer at the Highland Wildlife Park - Barbie, Ducky, Cici, Delamere, Peas, Mrs Potato Head, Etch, Sprite, Stretch and Jessie. They can be seen on the way to our female polar bear enclosure.

FACT FILE

• White-lipped deer, as their name implies, have a characteristic pure white marking around their mouth
• They are one of the largest members of the deer family
• Unlike other deer, they have broad rounded hooves similar to cows. These hooves are specialized for climbing on steep, rough terrain
• In the wild, white lipped deer are found at high altitudes in the eastern Tibetan Plateau
• Wild populations are in decline due to poaching
• Only males have antlers. Mature males typically have antlers with a total of six tines, although some may have antlers with as many as 10 tines. They are shed annually in March, reaching their full length by late summer. Antlers can measure up to 1.4m in length, and can weigh up to four kilograms
• They have a range of vocalisations, including loud alarm calls, which are audible over 500 metres away

HOW WE'RE HELPING

Here at RZSS, our white-lipped deer are part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) which ensures a healthy and genetically diverse population.

Like all the animals in our care, our deer are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued, and loved.

As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the park and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.

Find out more about RZSS conservation