The Animal Kingdom

White-Tailed Deer: Graceful Wanderers of the Wild

The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is an iconic symbol of North American wildlife. Known for its reddish-brown coat in summer and grayish hue in winter, this deer is easily recognized by the white underside of its tail, which it raises as a warning signal.

Zoos provide white-tailed deer with spacious enclosures featuring a mix of open meadows and wooded areas, mimicking their natural habitats. These animals are browsers, feeding on leaves, twigs, and fruits, and visitors often enjoy watching their calm and graceful movements.

Educational programs at zoos highlight the importance of deer in their ecosystems, as they contribute to seed dispersal and serve as prey for predators. Zoos also raise awareness about the challenges white-tailed deer face, such as habitat loss and overpopulation in certain areas.