The Wild Place Project is currently fawning over its two newest residents. 

Two endangered deers - known as the Philippine or Visayan spotted deer - arrived at the South Gloucestershire zoo last week and are getting to know their new surroundings.

In the wild the species is being threatened by habitat loss and illegal hunting in the Philippines.

It’s hoped that the duo will go on to start a family of their own to help safeguard the future of the species, which is thought to be made up of fewer than 700 individuals in the wild. 

They both arrived from different zoos - Colchester and Chester - where they were ready to leave their herds to join a mate. 

Ellie Adams, senior hoofstock keeper at the attraction, said: “We’ve been looking forward to their arrival and they have not disappointed. 

“They have moved into the old wolf paddock, which is large and full of woodland trees. 

“It’s great to see them getting on so well, as well as our visitors enjoying seeing them. 

“With so few Philippine spotted deer left in the wild we hope to inspire future conservationists and work with visitors to save wildlife together.”

Gazette Series: Visayan spotted peer pictured by Wild Place Project volunteer Ella SlinnVisayan spotted peer pictured by Wild Place Project volunteer Ella Slinn (Image: Ella Slinn)

Gazette Series: Visayan spotted peer pictured by Wild Place Project volunteer Ella SlinnVisayan spotted peer pictured by Wild Place Project volunteer Ella Slinn (Image: Ella Slinn)

The deer are linked to Bristol Zoological Society’s conservation work in the Philippines, where conservationists for the charity are currently working to research and protect the species, which are regularly hunted, in the wild. 

Wild Place Project is owned and run by Bristol Zoological Society. 

Last month, the society announced plans to rebrand Wild Place Project in the summer this year, seeing the popular attraction changing its name to Bristol Zoo Project.

The change of name marks the start of a journey on site, to become a new conservation zoo. 

With construction expected to start in 2024, the society will create new visitor facilities, new play areas, new animal homes with new species, and a conservation campus for students, scientists, and the breeding of highly threatened animals.