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Date of Rescue: March 31, 2025 Date of Birth: Unknown Gender: Female Species: Muntjac Deer Diet: A variety of fresh greens, vegetables, browse (leaves and branches), fruits in moderation, and deer-specific high-fiber pellets. Lifespan: 10–20 years in captivity Annual Cost of Care: $1,500
Mabel, along with Maisie and Max, came to us from a breeding facility where she lived outside with a large herd and no indoor space and little human interaction. Mabel warmed up to us quickly, showing an open and trusting nature right from the start. Her name was chosen because it reflects her gentle and soft personality. Mabel adores blueberries, rubbing against caretakers affectionately and even giving gentle licks as if to say thank you. She’s incredibly tactile and enjoys being stroked along her head and neck. While she wasn’t the very first to explore new spaces, Mabel was quick to follow Max’s lead. Once she saw him entering the shed and accepting affection, she decided she was ready too. Mabel is sweet, trusting, and loves to connect—she makes everyone who meets her fall in love.
Muntjac deer, also known as “barking deer” for their dog-like alarm calls, are small, elusive members of the deer family native to South and Southeast Asia. These compact deer are known for their short stature, rounded bodies, and large, dark eyes, giving them a distinctly gentle and delicate appearance. Males are typically distinguished by small antlers and pronounced canine tusks, though all Muntjac have a shy, cautious demeanor in the wild. These deer are solitary or found in small family groups, preferring dense forest undergrowth where they can browse on leaves, fruits, shoots, and bark. In captivity or sanctuary settings, Muntjac require a secure, enriched environment with plenty of vegetation and shelter options. They are sensitive to stress and thrive best when given time to bond with caregivers on their terms. Their small size often leads people to believe they are easy to care for, but like all wildlife, they have specialized needs that must be met to ensure their health and welfare. While some species of Muntjac are considered stable, others—such as the Large-antlered Muntjac—are critically endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and fragmentation of forest ecosystems. Responsible sanctuary care and public education about their needs and conservation status play a vital role in protecting these quiet forest dwellers. Muntjac deer are not suitable as pets. Their natural behaviors, flighty instincts, and need for space and forage cannot be properly accommodated in a domestic setting. Providing lifelong sanctuary in a setting that respects their nature is the most ethical and sustainable way to support their wellbeing.
Can you please help with our care and click on our wish list to buy specific items that we need? Your purchases are tax deductible and very much appreciated.
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The best way to help a sanctuary resident is to be a sponsor. Donations are tax deductible and will be used for our most pressing and critical needs.
Animal Friend $10 monthly or one-time gift of $100-Social Media Shout Out Kindness Keeper $25 monthly or one-time gift of $250-Social Media Shout Out-Digital Adoption Certificate Paw Protector $50 monthly or one-time gift of $500-Social Media Shout Out-Digital Adoption Certificate-Brick wall plaque at our main School Campus Animal Hero $100 monthly or one-time gift of $1,200-Social Media Shout Out-Digital Adoption Certificate-Brick wall plaque at our main School Campus-Business card size ad in our school yearbook Wildlife Warrior $250 monthly or one-time gift of $3,000-Social Media Shout Out-Digital Adoption Certificate -Brick wall plaque at our main School Campus-Business card size ad in our school yearbook-School Campus Annual invitation with a private lunch Rescue Champion $500 monthly or one-time gift of $6,000-Social Media Shout Out-Digital Adoption Certificate -Brick wall plaque at our main School Campus-Business card size ad in our school yearbook-School Campus Annual invitation with a private lunch Sanctuary Savior $1,000 monthly or one-time gift of $12,000-Social Media Shout Out-Digital Adoption Certificate-Brick wall plaque at our main-Business card size ad in our school yearbook-School Campus Annual invitation with a private lunch
