At Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium, every rescued animal carries a story — and this young Red Muntjak deer is no exception.
She was rescued by a kind resident who took her from a neighbour to prevent her from being eaten. After hearing about AWA’s wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts, he contacted our team for help. Our Conservation Centre agreed to take her in and provide the care she urgently needed.
As she is still very young, the deer currently relies on milk replacement and close monitoring from our animal care team before she is old enough to transition to solid foods. With dedicated care and attention, she is growing well and gaining weight every day.
Red Muntjak deer are common throughout Cambodia and naturally spend much of their lives hidden within dense forests. When mothers leave to forage for food, they often hide their babies among vegetation to keep them safe from predators, returning regularly to feed them. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly believe these young deer have been abandoned and take them home, unknowingly separating them from their mothers forever.
Through this rescue story, we would like to remind the public that if you encounter a baby deer alone in nature, it is best to leave it undisturbed, as its mother is likely nearby.
Wildlife plays an important role in Cambodia’s ecosystem, and protecting these animals starts with awareness, compassion, and responsible action.
Together, we can give Cambodia’s wildlife a second chance.
