GRAY, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- The arrival of four orphaned fawns at the Maine Wildlife Park is once again a reminder for people to leave wildlife alone in the wild.
"A lot of these orphans are manufactured orphans," said Assistant Superintendent Howie Powell. "They are not a true orphan situation. They are picked up by somebody with the best of intentions, but not understanding the situation."
Once humans handle the fawns, they will be abandoned.
The daily feedings of the fawn are a highlight for visitors to the park.
This year, one of the orphans is a piebald deer. "Pieds" are often thought to be albinos. However, they are really heavily spotted animals which are more often seen in other species especially horses.
In deer, this condition is caused by genetic variation. In addition to the coloration many have short legs, an arching spine and short lower jaws. The condition is thought to exist in less than one percent of deer.
The park is open daily from 9:30 through 4:30 and visitors may stay until 6:30. The entrance fee for people 13 through 59 years of age is $7.50. Children four through 12 are admitted for $5.50.
