Crested deer at Leipzig Zoo: flirtation or final separation?

Crested deer at Leipzig Zoo: flirtation or final separation?

At Leipzig Zoo, the animal news is centered around the East Chinese crested deer. This special species, which has its origins in the high mountains of the Himalayas, is known for its striking hairstyle and shy nature. However, the zookeepers, led by Holger Wust, are concerned about the love lives of the two crested deer, male Janno and female Nicole. Despite spending time together in the enclosure, the two have no romantic interest in each other, which dampens their hopes of having offspring. As thueringen24.de reports, Wust comments in the MDR podcast “Elefant, Tiger and Co.” that there was also no reproduction in the past under the previous male Paul.

Janno moved into the zoo in January 2025 and represents the hope for successful breeding. While Paul, who used to live in the enclosure, was unable to win over Nicole, Janno, known as the “homebody,” has also shown little activity so far. Nicole, on the other hand, actively uses the space in the enclosure. It is left to the keepers to wait for the mating season in late autumn in the expectation that the relationship between the two deer will relax.

New insights through podcasts

Holger Wust is not only dedicated to crested deer, but is also an integral part of the new ETC podcast. According to zoo-leipzig.de, this podcast offers insights into the lives of the animals in the zoo and highlights the daily challenges faced by the zookeepers. The “Elephant, Tiger & Co.” podcast, which has existed for over two years, has now published numerous episodes covering a wide range of animals.

The second season includes, among other things, exciting topics such as leaf cutter ants, okapis and gorillas. The diversity of animals and their unique lifestyles are presented by zoo reporter Dirk Hentze in interviews with zookeepers and curators. Wust also talks, among other things, about the evolutionary adaptations of the crested deer, which has developed specifically in its native environment in Southeast Asia.

The meaning of the crested deer

The crested deer bucks have antlers that are often hidden by their characteristic crested hairstyle. Such hair and the ability to bark and chirp make them an interesting part of the zoological diversity at Leipzig Zoo. The zookeepers continue to hope for successful breeding in the coming season and remain optimistic that Janno and Nicole could become closer.

Until then, visitors to the zoo can only hope that they will soon be able to admire the offspring of this special species. The animal world at Leipzig Zoo remains exciting and is kept alive by the dedicated work of the keepers.