Don't touch fawns in the wild, Zagreb Zoo urges

The Zagreb Zoo is issuing a public appeal to citizens regarding encounters with fawns in the wild, emphasizing that these young deer are often not abandoned as they may appear. The zoo has received numerous calls from residents reporting sightings of fawns, prompting them to reiterate crucial advice for public safety and animal welfare.

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Do not take fawns out of nature! In recent days, we have received a large number of calls from citizens about sightings of fawns. Since many people think that a fawn needs help, we are repeating the information we share every spring.

Zoo officials stress that fawns left alone in tall grass are typically being hidden by their mothers while the parent searches for food or avoids detection by predators and humans. Touching a fawn can transfer human scent, potentially leading the mother to abandon it. The zoo highlights that fawns raised by humans become accustomed to people and cannot be returned to the wild, underscoring the importance of leaving them undisturbed.

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A fawn spotted in tall grass is not abandoned. The mother left it there while she searches for food and hides from other animals and people.

Furthermore, the zoo warns that fawns are at risk during routine activities like grass mowing and from dog attacks. They advise individuals preparing to mow grass to inspect the area beforehand and use deterrents like bells and horns to scare away wildlife. Dog owners are reminded to keep their pets on leashes when walking in areas frequented by wild animals. For those unsure how to proceed when encountering a fawn, the zoo recommends contacting the Infocenter for Lost and Found Animals at the City of Zagreb Shelter for Abandoned Animals.

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A person touching it, leaving their scent on it, can endanger the fawn's life. Namely, the doe may abandon the fawn.