Deer
The only wild population of fallow deer in France is found in Alsace, in the Illwald Forest near Sélestat (approximately 400 pairs), and is part of Alsace’s cultural heritage.
This fairy-tale creature loves deciduous forests and coppices, and also enjoys meadows and clearings.
In Cigoland, to see them, you’ll need to be patient and stay very calm, because the fallow deer are skittish—but it’s well worth the effort; you’ll be amazed!!
Did you know?
In fallow deer, the antlers of adult males have a remarkable shape: their upper part widens like a small shovel. Even more surprising is that these antlers shed every year—usually in the spring—before growing back completely!
Fallow deer also change their “outfit” as the seasons change. Their coat is generally lighter and spotted in the summer, then becomes darker and thicker in the winter. At Cigoland, take a close look at the fallow deer: depending on the season, will their spots be easy to count?