Huge rare deer stalking Torquay

Jane Emerick
A rare white deer with “huge” antlers is stalking Torquay.
Residents and authorities have confirmed sightings of the mature animal around the western outskirts of Torquay.
Specialists believe it is rare white or albino fallow deer.
Torquay’s Karen Thompson said she has had a close encounter with the “beautiful” deer while walking with a friend on Duffields Road.
Ms Thompson said the big deer, which had “huge” antlers, had jumped a paddock fence to cross the road in front of her.
Ms Thompson said her nine-year-old daughter and friend’s brother-in-law also saw the deer.
However, friends were sceptical of their sighting.
“They’re non-believers,” she said.
Councillor and long-time Torquay resident Keith Grossman said the white deer had been “around for a while” and it was not alone.
“A white or albino deer has been seen running with a mob of about seven or eight fallow deer that are the normal fawn and brown colour,” Cr Grossman said
“The white deer has large antlers, apparently. It’s quite rare to have a white one but I guess it’s like a black sheep – they pop up every now and then.”
“The deer have also learnt to move with the kangaroos for survival. Some people do try to shoot deer but they are in no way harming the environment and are not considered pests.”
A Torquay police spokesperson confirmed several reports of the white deer on the town’s outskirts.
RSPCA president and veterinarian Hugh Wirth said the “numerically rare” albino deer would suffer chronic sunburn.
“They usually don’t survive well because they are attacked by other animals,” Dr Wirth said.
“Albino animals, particularly dogs, have temperament faults and are put down at birth.”
Dr Wirth said anyone who saw the deer was lucky.
“They should admire it. It’s unusual and I don’t think it will be long for this life,” he said.