ONE of the world's rarest deers has been born at Chester Zoo.

The tiny Philippine spotted deer fawn appeared for the first time after being led out by proud parents Tala and Bulan.

This new arrival is the latest to be born into the zoo's conservation breeding programme which is working to ensure a 'healthy and genetically viable' back-up population of the animals in Europe.

Conservation experts fear that fewer than 2,500 Philippine spotted deers now remain in the wild.

They have already become extinct on several islands in the Philippines due to intensive illegal hunting and huge deforestation.

Now they are only found in forests on the islands of Panay and Negros.

Also known as the Visayan spotted deer, zoo conservationists have also been supporting efforts to protect and restore the deers’ habitat in the Philippines for more than 10 years.

Curator of Mammals at Chester Zoo Tim Rowlands said: “Every Philippine spotted deer birth is very special indeed.

"Globally, this is a species that is under severe threat, pushed to the very brink by a rapidly expanding human population and increasing levels of illegal poaching and habitat destruction.

“We won’t stand back and let a beautiful animal like this simply disappear forever though.

"The zoo is, crucially, fighting to protect the Philippine spotted deer in its homeland, while the arrival of this calf is another significant and important step in the conservation of the species and for the back-up population in Europe.

"With every new arrival we are able to gather more and more vital information.

“Mum Tala has done a fabulous job up to now and her fawn is looking strong, with a fantastic healthy coat featuring prominent white spots and striking blue eyes.

"We’re ever so pleased with her.”

For more on the zoo’s Act for Wildlife conservation programme in South East Asia visit www.actforwildlife.org.uk