Meet Lyra - one of the world's rarest deers pictured for first time after being born at Chester Zoo

Lyra is a Philippine spotted deer. Credit: Chester Zoo

A highly endangered species of deer has been pictured for the first time after it was born at Chester Zoo.

The Philippine spotted deer has been named Lyra after a constellation of stars, following a theme that is shared with her parents Nova and Cosmos.

The species has become extinct on several islands in the Philippines as a result of hunting and deforestation, Chester Zoo said.

It is estimated that as few as 700 of the species remain in the wild, according to The International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

The tiny arrival has been named Lyra after a constellation of stars. Credit: Chester Zoo

The species' population at Chester Zoo is part of a conservation breeding programme set up at the request of the Philippine government.

Emma Evison, a zookeeper at Chester Zoo, said Lyra's birth in December 2021 was a "significant addition" to the breeding programme, adding: "Every Philippine spotted deer birth is absolutely crucial to the long-term survival of this species, so we were absolutely overjoyed to see a fluffy bundle alongside mum Nova one morning.

"Crucially, the zoo is also working to protect the Philippine spotted deer in its homeland, while educating and empowering local communities that live alongside them."

Stuart Young, regional field programme manager for South East Asian Islands at the zoo, said they share "all of the important information" gathered during the programme with officials in the Philippines.

He added: "For more than two decades we have worked closely with our partners in the Philippines, helping to protect this charismatic species from extinction.

"This began by funding and helping to build vital conservation breeding centres on the islands of Panay and Negros, while providing caregivers with all of the important information that our experts here at the zoo have gathered by successfully breeding this highly endangered species." 

Lyra with one of her parents. Credit: Chester Zoo

Philippine spotted deer facts:

  • The fawn was born on 15 December 2021 but has only recently emerged outside for the first time.

  • The new arrival was born to mum Nova and dad Cosmos.

  • Philippine spotted deer are classed as ‘endangered’ in the wild by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

  • It’s estimated that around 700 individuals remain in the wild.

  • The international conservation community are working to boost numbers in zoos to help prevent the extinction of the species.