Latest update:09 Jan 2026 at 11:18 PM IST

At the Wrocław Zoo, a 13-kilogram deer bravely confronted a 1.7-ton rhinoceros, and emerged confident and uninjured. The viral confrontation stunned viewers and won praise for the deer’s bravery.

At the Wrocław Zoo, a 13-kilogram deer bravely confronted a 1.7-ton rhinoceros, and emerged confident and uninjured. The viral confrontation stunned viewers and won praise for the deer’s bravery. (Photo: AP)

A wonderful and unexpected scene occurred at the Wroclaw Zoo in Poland, where a baby deer was seen boldly pounced on a 1.7-ton rhinoceros inside the animal’s enclosure.

The deer was captured on video goring the rhinoceros, named Maruska, before chasing off the larger animal, leaving onlookers stunned by the dramatic size mismatch. Zoo officials later explained that this behavior was driven by elevated hormones, noting that the deer’s partner is in heat and the single male is “pumping testosterone.”

“He needs to release his energy and show who’s the boss, even if his sparring partner weighs 1.7 tons,” the zoo said in a statement. Amused by the unexpected display of dominance, the officials added: “Who would have thought that such a warrior could be hidden in such a small body?”

The deer, identified as Reeves’ muntjac – a small, reddish-brown species native to southeastern China and Taiwan – was filmed headbutting the rhinoceros, Marusca, before giving chase to the larger animal. Often called “barking deer” because of their distinctive dog-like calls, muntjacs are known for their adaptability and can live in environments ranging from snowy temperate forests to subtropical forests.

Hoofed animal guard Maciej Okopnik Despite the unusual clash, the two species often coexist, he said. “Both in our facility or in the wild, Reeves’ muntjacs and rhinos live side by side and constantly interact,” he said. However, Okupnik told Polish media that the animals generally keep their distance, using different methods to mark their territories, making such encounters rare.

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