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Orphaned 2 day old deer rescued
31 May 2008
A 2 day old baby roe deer was found wandering in a field at Horley yesterday
(Thursday). Trevor Weeks Rescue Coordinator for East Sussex Wildlife Rescue
and Ambulance Service (WRAS), drove to Horley where the deer had been picked
up and bedded down in the finders' bedroom. The baby roe deer was seen with
its mother at 10am in the morning. Local residents monitored the field and
baby after the mother was disturbed and ran off leaving the baby alone.
After 4 hours the mother had not returned and the baby had started to wander
in the open. Local residents decided to pick up the deer and bring him in.
WRAS was called and by the time Trevor arrived the mother still had not
appeared.
"The baby deer was not calling for mum which can indicate a lack of a maternal bond between the mum and baby" said Trevor, "when this happens it is very difficult to reunite baby with mum. On seeking advice from Les Stocker from St Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital we agreed to transport the baby deer up to their hospital at Haddenham in Buckinghamshire for their specialist deer team to take on and hand rear."
The baby deer which has been named Trevor by the deer team at St Tiggywinkles who bottle fed the deer before settling him down.
"When finding a baby deer or other mammal it is important not to jump to the conclusion that it is abandoned. Normally young are left hidden in bushes by their parents which is normal. Many people are surprised to find out that the mother spends only a limited period of time with her young. The mother does not want to draw attention to her young by being with the baby all the time."
Anyone who finds a baby deer should contact WRAS on 07815078237 for advice. If anyone would like sponsor or make a donation to help WRAS carry out its valuable work please visit our donation page.
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Press Contact: Trevor Weeks, East Sussex WRAS, 07931 523958
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