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Baby deer turning heads at The Big Goose in Moorooduc

Willow the baby deer had to stand out from the herd in order to survive after being ditched by her mum and left to fend for herself in the hot sun. But now she’s one of the star attractions at a Moorooduc farm. Here’s how you can meet her.

Rose Flaherty celebrates her 4th birthday with fawn Willow at the The Big Goose in Moorooduc. Photo: Julian Smith
Rose Flaherty celebrates her 4th birthday with fawn Willow at the The Big Goose in Moorooduc. Photo: Julian Smith

Big brown eyes, long lashes and legs for days – it’s not hard to see why visitors to a Mornington Peninsula adventure farm are fawning over Willow.

The baby deer is a star attraction at The Big Goose these school holidays and staff are thrilled by her progress.

“She had a rocky start,” animal keeper Jo Barden said.

“Her Mum was a first time parent and didn’t really know what she was doing.

“She left Willow out in the hot sun to fend for herself so we had to step in and raise her.”

Animal keeper Jo Barden holds abandoned fawn Willow at the The Big Goose in Moorooduc. Picture: Julian Smith
Animal keeper Jo Barden holds abandoned fawn Willow at the The Big Goose in Moorooduc. Picture: Julian Smith

The one month old deers is handfed three bottles a day and goes home with Ms Barden each night.

“I’m not complaining. She’s adorable,” she said.

Willow has also been a hit with children celebrating their birthdays at The Big Goose.

On January 15 she was a special guest at Rose Flaherty’s 4th birthday party.

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The Big Goose is a working farm that aims to educate people about life on the land.

There are fluffy chicks, cheeky lambs and greedy goats to meet in the petting barn, reptile show, tractor and pony rides and adventure playground.

The farm is open daily from 10am to 4pm at 233 Mornington Tyabb Rd, Moorooduc

Details: thebiggoose.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/south-east/baby-deer-turning-heads-at-the-big-goose-in-moorooduc/news-story/0df16be0d1c878c0aad2c7425e07f06a