Salisbury, MD — The Salisbury Zoo is delighted to announce the birth of Lily, a white-tailed deer fawn, born on July 16, 2024. Lily’s arrival was a surprise for zoo staff, as her mother, Rosie, who joined the Salisbury Zoo in March, was not known to be pregnant at the time of her arrival.
On the morning of July 16, zookeepers noticed something unusual with Rosie and alerted the veterinary team. Upon closer examination, front hooves emerged, and it became clear that Rosie was in labor. However, after two hours with little progress, Dr. Williams, the Zoo’s veterinarian, decided to assist in the delivery. Thanks to the efforts of the veterinary staff, Lily was successfully delivered.
Following her birth, Lily was reintroduced to Rosie, but unfortunately, Rosie’s maternal instincts did not develop, and Lily was not nursing. Despite efforts to encourage bonding, the decision was made to hand-raise Lily to ensure her well-being. She was moved to the Animal Hospital, where a dedicated team of vet staff and zookeepers cared for her around the clock, following a strict feeding schedule to ensure she received the nourishment she needed.
Now, just three months later, Lily is thriving! She is nearly weaned, enjoys eating produce and leaves, and has begun trying grain. Lily has also started making day trips to the deer yard, where she has met Rosie, fellow white-tailed deer Zoe and the goats. Soon, Lily will become a full-time member of the Zoo’s white-tailed deer exhibit.
“We’re so proud of the dedication of our staff and the progress Lily has made,” said Chuck Eicholz, Director at the Salisbury Zoo. “Watching her grow and develop has been a heartwarming experience, and we’re excited to introduce her to the community.
