This adorable southern pudu fawn is the youngest resident at the Nashville Zoo. Photo: courtesy of the Nashville Zoo
The Nashville Zoo recently welcomed a new resident who could grow up to become a key part of international conservation efforts.
What's happening: A southern pudu fawn was born at the zoo April 28. At 1.7 pounds, he's about the size of a small bag of sugar.
The animals are the smallest species of deer in the world. They are native to southern Chile and southwestern Argentina.
The big picture: Southern pudus are on a provisional species survival plan, and conservation advocates are working to sustain the North American population. Historically, the species has been difficult to breed.
What's next: The baby will stay in Nashville for the next year before moving to another zoo to encourage breeding. Visitors can see the new fawn near the entrance of the Andean bear exhibit.
