The whitetail deer is a large, hoofed animal that can vary in size.  It serves as the state animal of Illinois.  They will give birth to 1-3 young in May or June every year.  This deer will raise its tail as a warning sign to the other deer of danger.  There are several deer roaming the fields of our zoo.

Fallow Deer:

Fallow deer are a European deer found primarily in the United Kingdom.  This species is unique because they come in four different colors.  They are also the only deer to have an atoms-apple. 

Sika Deer:

Sika deer are an Oriental deer. They are distinctive by the white plum blossom-like spots on their back.  This species of deer give birth to a single young. 

Elk:

Elk are characterized by large antlers, skinny legs, and thick neck.  The main beam of an Elk’s antlers can reach up to 5 feet in length.  Elk tend to travel by themselves or in very small groups.  Elk once roamed free in Illinois, but now the largest herds are in the western United States and Canada.

Click here for pictures of the Nilgai Antelope!