Wild muntjac wanders into Taipei Zoo, released back into forest

Taipei, Jan. 4 (CNA) A wild Formosan Reeves's muntjac wandered into Taipei Zoo on Sunday and was later captured and released back into nearby forest after staff confirmed it was healthy, the zoo said.

Zoo staff used capture nets and tarps to contain the small deer and place it in a cage, footage of which circulated on social media platform Threads.

After checking the animal's appearance and body size, staff determined it was not one of the zoo's own, said Wang Chien-po (王建博), head of the zoo's Koala House. A veterinarian later confirmed the young adult male muntjac showed no signs of injury and was in good condition.

The muntjac was released later the same day into forested areas surrounding the zoo in Taipei's Wenshan District.

Wang said it is not uncommon for wild animals from the surrounding environment to enter the zoo grounds and advised visitors to keep a safe distance if they encounter one.

Formosan Reeves's muntjac is one of three deer species native to Taiwan, with the other two being the Formosan sambar deer and the Formosan sika deer.