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Date of Rescue: March 31, 2025 Date of Birth: Unknown Gender: MaleSpecies: 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
Max arrived with his companions Mabel and Maisie from a breeding facility where they lived in a herd without indoor protection and little human interaction. From the moment we met him, Max stood out. While the others were cautious, Max walked right up to us—curious, calm, and brave. His name, meaning “the greatest,” reflects both his short, stocky stature and his big, bold personality. Max and Mabel seemed to share a close bond even before their arrival, and we kept them together during their transition. Max was the first to explore every new space: the first to enter the shed, the first to accept pets, and the first to step into a group of unfamiliar humans. He sets the tone for the others, and his steady, confident presence seems to reassure them. He loves attention and touch, often leaning into hands for rubs and giving a small tail wiggle of contentment. Max reminds us that bravery and kindness go hand in hand—and that even the littlest deer can carry the biggest hearts.
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.
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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
