Chances are if you’ve walked by the Muntjac exhibit on your way to Zooville Square you’ve met Loki. Loki is a Reeves Muntjac or “barking deer”. Barking deer is the nickname given to muntjacs because of the sharp, loud barking sound they make when alarmed. Zoologists and zoo keepers are not sure what this sound accomplishes but it could either warn other muntjacs of potential danger, or serve as a warning to predators that they have been spotted and the hunt may not be successful.

Reeves Muntjacs average 16-18” at the shoulder, 40” from nose to tail, and between 25-40 pounds. The males – like Loki – have single-tined antlers that grow on pedicels (hair covered bone structures.) Females have short pedicels that look like bony knobs on their foreheads. Both males and females have small tusk-like canines, which can grow up to an inch long. Although the antlers of males may be used in battle, the sharp canines are the more dangerous weapon.

Muntjacs scent with glands that are located around their eyes as well as with the usual urine marking.

Muntjacs live in deciduous forests in southern China and Taiwan. They are a common species there and are hunted for their meat and hides. (Similar to white tailed deer in Nebraska.)

Muntjacs eat grasses, sprouts, fruits, and seeds. They strip bark off trees and eat low-growing leaves. They feed at forest edges and in the wild often invade field crops.

At the Zoo we have three muntjacs: Loki, the male, whom you can see in the Muntjac exhibit and Amber and Lily, both females, who live in the flamingo/stork exhibit. Lily is Loki and Amber’s offspring. Loki and Amber no longer get along so we keep them separated.

Visit Loki on your way to Zooville Square. See if you can find him hiding in the grasses.