The main beam of this deer’s antlers extends almost directly upwards and the long tines point only backwards. But that isn’t the only thing that makes this deer species special: the Pére David’s deer – also known as the milu – has an unusual history.
The species actually died out in its natural habitat in China back in the 19th century. However, a small group was kept for the emperor of China in a game park near Beijing. Some of these deer were subsequently taken to Europe, where they were successfully bred in zoos. The first European birth of this species was at Zoo Berlin in 1878. In 1985, Pére David’s deer began being transported back to China, where they were resettled in reserves and parks.
