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Deer Rupert is growing into quite a handful
Evening Standard30.09.08
This tiny deer has been christened Rupert after he was delivered by Caesarean section at a wildlife hospital.
His mother was hit by a car and brought to the centre last week.
But staff were unable to save her and took the decision to bring out Rupert, a muntjac deer.
At six inches tall and weighing just over a pound, he is now in an incubator in the intensive care unit at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire. He has only recently opened his eyes.
Les Stocker, founder of Tiggywinkles, said: "Rupert's mother had very severe injuries. We brought him out and got him breathing and then he went into an incubator on oxygen. He is now being fed by a tube."
Staff are optimistic Rupert, now five days old, will make a full recovery. "Deer are very, very tricky but this one has spirit. He's an extremely feisty little guy and quite pushy," Mr Stocker said.
Reader views (26)
Good luck to you little Rupert.
God bless you!!!
- Kathy D., New Castle Co., DE USA
Thanks for running this article. It sparked an e-mail here that showed more pictures. I forwarded the pictures to my "future step grand-kids", ages 9 & 11.
- Fred, Burlington, WI USA
I think it is just wonderful what they have done to save this tiny deer. Way to go!
- Molly Martin, Amarillo, Tx. United States of America
This is a wonderful and touching story. That little deer is really a true example of a miracle. I hope that he has a healthy and full life and I thank those people who put all of their effort to saving him.
- Hannah, Finksburg MD USA
Lynn, I suggest not only that you research the type of deer, but that you research Neonatal Intensive Care. Babies are born all the time WAY before their due date. Some even around 50% gestation. That's why we have NICUs. Premature babies can and do survie given the right treatment.
- Zee, Rke, USA
Jerry, get over yourself. Some people care about ALL animals - not just dogs and cats. Plus, it's a WILDLIFE hospital!
And Lynn, what's there to buy? The picture of the deer in the man's hand is there to see.
To the rest of you, thanks for caring! ALL creatures make the world go 'round. What a wonderful man Mr. Stocker is.
- Jen Weaver, California, USA
aaawwww!!! hes sssoooo cute!!! (;
- Heather, Illinois
Every living thing deserves a chance at life! Beautiful story.
- Della C, Cumberland, MD USA
I bet he'd be so tender and juicy. ANd he's just the right size for the crock pot. Yum!
- Andy Welch, Greenville, MI USA
Lynn, turn your scepticism to a initiative, and research the deer breed in question. These animals are MUCH smaller than the coastal blacktail deer with which you may be familiar. Believe or not, there is more than one species of deer.
- Han, Emeryville, CA
May God Bless You for doing what you do ! Your rewards will be immense, when all is said and done.
- Marion, Palmetto, GA
What a beautiful baby! I'm so thankful for dedicated, committed folks who take care of "the least of these." God bless you!
- Lee Schooler, Annandale, VA, USA
Sorry folks I just can't buy this story. If a human was born this much smaller than normal, they would not be devoloped enough to survive. I would think the same would be true for an animal. A deer would normaly be born 3 or 4 times this size? So I'm guess this deer was at best 50% into the gestation period? ???
- Lynn, Portland, Oregon
The world needs more vets like yourselves! Thank you for caring for such a beautiful animal.
- Diane Whited, Birmingham, AL
Are you people nuts?!?! An incubator for crying out loud? If someone walked in with that injured deer and said, "Save it, and or, the fawn. Money is no object". How much would be charged before this fawn is sent home? Admit it. Lots of money! In my opinion (which doesn't count for anything) all the money/resources being spent on this previously wild animal that wandered into traffic would be better spent on family pets that have a loving family and history already yet get put down because the family can't afford the vet bill. Common sense isn't as common as it used to be.
- Jerry, Tucson, AZ
God bless you all for caring for His own. Psalm 50:11 says "I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine." This is a heartwarming story - something we all need in our lives.
- Kathi Linn, Burlington, IA USA
I may not believe in god,(I'm an agnostic) but I do believe in good doctors like yourselves. Thank you so much for giving this little life force a chance to have a dear/deer life. :o)
- Carole, Gold Canyon, Arizona, USA
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story with the world!!
- Dawn Tomkins, Dease Lake British Columbia Canada
That is so awesome
- Nancy, Escondido CA
This is one of the best stories I have ever heard. I would love to know how Rupert is doing and to see new pictures of this little guy. Kisses to you all for the jobs you do! xoxo
- Sonja Hodge-Owen, Germantown USA
Thank god that there are special people like you in this world. Many would have just let the baby die with the mother. You have such a wonderful heart and it's great to know there are others out there like you!! Thank you for brightening my day!
- Diane Doucette, Lindsay, Ontario Canada
God bless you all for giving this little darling a new lease on life! You are Guardian Angels, indeed. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all your wonderful work.
- Fina Bruce, Middletown, New York, USA
What a wonderful facility! Thank you for saving this tiny little sweetheart and for the countless other things you obviously do!
- Linda Saldana, Findlay, OH USA
Thank you for saving this little darling.
- Kathie O'Shea, Swanton, OH USA
Oh what a little dear...sorry!
- Carol B, London, UK
Bravo Rupert!
- John (Brit Exp Pat), Phoenix USA
