Ready to discover some fascinating insights about the majestic Rothirsche? These red deer live in large open woodlands. They have settled in many European habitats.
The Rothirsche enclosure offers us a glimpse into the lives of these creatures. Red deer are the largest mammal of the Danube wetlands. Here they are more powerful than in other habitats. These deer are not especially picky eaters. As ruminant animals, red deer can nourish themselves. They eat grass, tree bark, leaves, and acorns.
Look at the herd of Rothirsche. It consists of females called cows or does. Young animals are called calves. Male deer or bulls may live outside the herd. They might live in bachelor herds.
The Rothirsche have a reddish-brown coat in the summer. They turn grayish-brown in the winter. Juveniles are brown with white spots. When threatened, these able runners flee. They do not hide.
From late summer to autumn, the rutting season begins. The bull marks his territory. He emits loud bugle calls. Bulls defend their territory in battles with rivals. Antler racks may get stuck during clashes. Serious injuries are rare during these jousts.
Calves are born in May or June. Usually, there is only one calf per cow. Calves are dependent on their mothers. They nurse for around four months. After one year, they become self-sufficient.
Red deer are good swimmers. They survive wetland floods effortlessly. The Rothirsche love to wallow in the mud. They are mainly active at night, dusk, and dawn. Starting in March, antlers grow. A special soft skin called velvet covers them. In July or August, the velvet dies off. It is then shed. The dead, bare bone is fully developed. It may weigh up to 14 kg. It can have 10 or more tines. In February, antlers are cast off. New antlers begin to grow immediately.
Bulls and cows have only lower incisors. They strip plants. Plants are then pressed against a plate on the upper jaw. Like all ruminants, they consume large amounts of plants quickly. Plants are stored in the first stomach chamber. It is called the paunch or rumen. Bacteria break down the plant material. The cud is regurgitated. It is then chewed. Then swallowed again and digested.
The Berlin Zoo is committed to the breeding and conservation of rare animal species. The Rothirsche population is managed by controlled hunting. This prevents overpopulation. It also prevents the endangerment of natural wetlands populations. So take a moment to appreciate these Rothirsche. They are thriving in their Berlin enclosure.