Père David’s Deer / Milu

(Elaphurus davidianus)

This unique species is named after Père David – a French missionary and zoologist who discovered the last of the breed in the Imperial Park in Beijing.  In the 19th century, a number of animals found their way into Europe and then into the UK where they flourished in captivity, specifically on the Woburn Estate. In the 1980’s, having gone extinct in their native China, the Pere David’s deer was reintroduced and has bounced back from a population of 38 to over 4,000.  

Gestation period:

282 – 288 days

Threats to species:

Pere David deer are officially extinct in the wild due to habitat loss and over hunting.  Due to their low genetic diversity, inbreeding remains a long term threat.

Conservation Today for Wildlife Tomorrow