Rupert, A Very Tiny Deer
Animal Stories from All-Creatures.org

August 2009
This tiny deer was delivered by Caesarean section at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire after his mother was hit and killed by a car.

Little Rupert, who is so small he can fit in an adult's hand, was born after vets failed in their battle to save his mother.

Six inches tall, weighing just over a pound

Tucked up: Rupert in an incubator

Asleep: Rupert takes 40 winks

"Deer are very, very tricky but this one has spirit. He's an extremely feisty little guy and quite pushy," sanctuary founder, Mr. Stocker said.

At just over a pound, Rupert was kept in a life-supporting incubator with all the symptoms of a premature human baby. Staff knew that he had an unpredictable chance of survival but held onto hope as they tried this method of keeping him alive.

Unfortunately, the hospital staff was unable to sustain his life and Rupert passed away after a few days.

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