In a touching tale of friendship and survival, an orphaned baby deer has found an unexpected best friend in its caretaker’s baby. This heartwarming story of resilience and love is a testament to the incredible bonds that can form between humans and animals.
A New Beginning for Ziggy
The deer, named Ziggy, was rescued by Jeremy Goldsmith, who runs Mountfitchet Castle, a Norman castle and museum in Essex. Ziggy, just two months old, was discovered by a passerby on the side of a road after her mother was tragically hit by a car. With no one to care for her, Ziggy was taken in by the kind-hearted folks at Mountfitchet Castle, where she was given a warm place to sleep and a new lease on life.
A Friendship Blossoms
Within just a few hours, Ziggy adapted to her new surroundings and formed a special bond with Jeremy’s 11-month-old daughter, Isabella. The two have become inseparable, spending hours together each day. Isabella loves to stroke and kiss Ziggy, and the deer, in turn, enjoys the affection and companionship of her new friend.
Caring for Ziggy
Jeremy, who grew up in an animal-loving family, makes sure to feed Ziggy three times a day, always bringing Isabella along. “It’s just so natural,” Jeremy says. “They spend hours kissing and stroking each other. There’s no fear like you would expect there to be.” The castle already houses a small herd of five fallow deer, and Ziggy will spend the rest of her life among them, well-fed and surrounded by company.
A Safe and Loving Home
Unfortunately, Ziggy can’t be released back into the wild, as she has become too tame and unafraid of humans. Jeremy explains, “She’s now doing well and is cared for by the staff. We can’t release her back into the wild now, as she would be too tame and not at all scared of people.”
A Legacy of Love
This isn’t the first time a young child has formed a bond with a wild animal. In 2021, a boy named Dominic made headlines when he befriended a baby deer while on vacation in Virginia. The sweet moment was captured by his mother, Stephanie, and quickly went viral on social media.
A Life of Happiness
Back at Mountfitchet Castle, Isabella and Ziggy continue to share their days filled with love and laughter. Ziggy, now part of a herd, will live out her days in comfort and safety, thanks to the care and kindness of Jeremy and his family. The bond between Isabella and Ziggy is a beautiful reminder of the connections that can form when we open our hearts to the creatures around us.
A Lasting Friendship
The friendship between Isabella and Ziggy serves as a touching example of the joy that animals can bring into our lives. As they play, cuddle, and grow together, their story inspires us to cherish the bonds we share with all living beings.
