Southern pudu

Puda Puda

Southern pudu Violetta looking at the camera (eye-contact) 

IMAGE: Amy Middleton 2023

Status

NE DD LC NT VU EN CR EW EX

For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org

We are home to two Southern pudus – Violetta and her fawn Gia, born in May 2024.

Population

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Decreasing

Diet

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Herbivore

Habitat

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Forest

Fact file

  • Southern pudu are the smallest species of deer in the world

  • Adults typically weigh between nine and 15kg

  • Males have short antlers that consist of a single spike measuring up to 10cm in length

  • These antlers are shed yearly in the summer

Southern pudu Violetta outside in autumn colours looking to the right IMAGE: Amy Middleton (2023)

How we're helping

Like all the animals in our care Violetta and Gia are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health, to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.

Find out more about RZSS conservation