For immediate release
Contact: Gina Stiles, 904-757-4463, ext. 210

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Introduces Baby Pudu

June 27, 2007 - Jacksonville, FL - The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens introduces its new baby Chilean pudu, born May 25, 2007.  This baby female pudu, also called a Southern pudu, is very important to the captive populations as there are only three-dozen specimens in North America. The pudu is also listed on the U.S. Endangered Species Act as an endangered species.  It is the smallest living deer species with a body length of only 23-33 inches, shoulder height of 14-15 inches, and weight of 20-33 pounds.  They are found in the temperate rainforests of Argentina and Chile.  Pudu are solitary animals that come together each fall for breeding with one fawn born each spring.  Their gestation period is roughly 210 days and the young are physically fully grown at about three months. 

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has held pudu since December of 2003.  The baby pudu can be seen in the Emerald Forest Aviary inside the Range of the Jaguars exhibit.

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment.  Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 1,400 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species.  The Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  Located on Jacksonville’s north side two miles off I-95, the Zoo is open year-round, 7 days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  The Zoo is open until 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays from March to Labor Day. For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

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