‘Southern Pudu’ The World Smallest Deer – California’s Oakland Zoo Welcomes Newborn Southern Pudu

The Oakland Zoo has a brand-new baby animal. The yet-to-be-named southern Pudu was born on August 7 in front of zoo guests. We had guests watching when it happened, and zookeeper Andrea Dougall told Reuters.

The first southern Pudu, a small deer species, recently moved into the California zoo and has been very comfortable, Dougall told the outlet. One of the Pudus, Riley, is the mother of the Newborn.

Also Read: California's Oakland Zoo Welcomes a Baby Southern Pudu, the World's Smallest Deer - Latest Tweet by Reuters

The zookeeper added that the birth wasn't a total surprise, as Riley had been looking a bit heavier. The mother deer had been on a form of injectable birth control designed to wear off over time.

And when it wore off, it was time, Dougall said. Midday on Sunday, I was passing by the exhibit, and she was doing some movements that looked like she was in labor.

Also Read: Oakland Zoo Welcomes Baby Southern Pudu Deer

Dougall also shared that the adorable baby Pudu is healthy and doing well. They have great personalities, and they're very interested, said the zookeeper. I think it is very high up there in the cuteness factor.

Southern Pudu fawns are around 8 inches tall and weigh only 2 lbs., according to the Oakland Zoo's website. In the wild, southern pudus reside in temperate rainforests and deciduous forests, according to the zoo. They're also found in southern Chile and southwestern Argentina.