‘Miraculous’ White Deer Spotted in North Carolina Zoo Grounds

John Ireland/Courtesy of North Carolina Zoo

The North Carolina Zoo has always been a haven for wildlife, but a recent discovery—a rare white deer spotted roaming the grounds—has left staff and visitors in awe.

Zoo staff, dedicated to monitoring native wildlife, were the first to spot the unusual fawn. Equipped with wildlife cameras and a keen awareness of the animals inhabiting the 20- to 30-acre Zoo grounds in Randolph County, the team regularly monitors native species like bobcats, foxes, and other local wildlife. This spring, a snow-white fawn was seen trotting alongside the Zoo’s herd of wild white-tailed deer, sparking excitement among employees.

Described as a striking animal with pink ears and brown eyes, the fawn quickly became the talk of the Zoo. The resident wild deer herd has been a part of the Zoo’s grounds for decades, but its members have always displayed typical seasonal coats—brown in summer and slightly gray in winter. The arrival of this all-white addition was a delightful surprise for everyone.

The white deer as a young fawn. John Ireland/Courtesy of North Carolina Zoo

Staff recall a similar sighting in the late 1990s, but the rarity of such an occurrence has left everyone marveling.  As deer are more active around dusk and dawn, Zoo guests have few chances to spot the white fawn, leaving staff at the Zoo among the lucky few to witness this unusual new resident.

What Causes White Fur in Deer?

The white coloration of the fawn stems from a lack of pigmentation, but it is not caused by albinism. Albinism, a rare genetic condition, occurs when animals lack melanin entirely, leaving their skin, fur, eyes, and other tissues devoid of color. The Zoo’s fawn, however, has brown eyes and a pigmented muzzle, indicating that some melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing pigment—are functioning.

The rare white deer is part of the herd that roams the North Carolina Zoo grounds. Courtesy of North Carolina Zoo

This condition, known as leucism, occurs when melanocytes fail to activate in certain areas of the body. Unlike albinism, leucistic animals often retain some pigmentation and may appear entirely or partially white. Approximately 1 in 1,000 white-tailed fawns exhibit leucism, while only one out of every 30,000 are albinos.

Some leucistic deer may suffer from skeletal deformities; however, the Zoo’s fawn appears physically healthy, giving hope for a long life within the safety of the park.

Courtesy of North Carolina Zoo

A Miraculous Symbol

The Zoo has embraced the white deer as a symbol of wonder and resilience. The appearance of this rare creature coincides with the release of Counting Miracles, a novel by Nicholas Sparks set in Asheboro, North Carolina, where the Zoo is located. The book also features the appearance of a white deer, making the real-life sighting feel like a page out of fiction. In the novel, the white deer is a symbol of spirituality that needs to be protected.

While guests may not get a chance to see the elusive white fawn, many find that just knowing it thrives within the Zoo’s boundaries is enough to inspire a deep sense of connection to nature’s marvels. For now, the Zoo continues its commitment to protecting wildlife, ensuring this miraculous deer can live its best life in peace.

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