Who's Who in the Folsom Zoo; Meet Delilah, the mule deer

Editor's note: This is a weekly feature in the Folsom Telegraph where readers will get the opportunity to meet Folsom's furriest. This week's "Who's Who in Folsom Zoo" is Delilah, the mule deer. In 2018, a beautiful female California mule deer, with very large ears, came to join the herd of mule deer-living in the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Because young Delilah had become dependent on her human caregivers (imprinted) she could not be released back into the wild. Delilah needed a safe forever home. When Delilah was introduced to the herd of mule deer already living at the zoo sanctuary, they did not welcome her, and she would be chased and picked on by the other deer. At the Sanctuary, the zookeepers strive to do what is in the best interest of each individual animal. So, Delilah was then introduced to Ernie, a zebu who lived alone in a pasture next to the barn. A friendship formed and now Ernie and Delilah share the pasture area and enjoy the attention of the zookeepers and docent animal handlers. Mule deer are easily identified by their large (constantly moving) mule-like ears. Their ears are beautifully outlined in black. California mule deer have a white rump patch and a small white tail with a black tip. Their rump area has the appearance of a bullseye target. During the winter months, mule deer are kept warm with a coat of long brownish-gray fur. The summer months allow the mule deer to shed their winter coat and are replaced with a coat of short reddish-brown fur. (The photo shows Delilah in the middle of her seasonal shedding) In addition to the California Sierra Nevada mule deer, there are five other species of mule deer in California, all residing in different areas of the state. California mule deer live along the west slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Their habitat can be rocky and dotted with trees, especially oak with its acorns. Mule deer are herbivores (plant eaters), nibbling on shrubs, twigs, leaves and grazing through grasses. After browsing, wild deer will find a safe resting place to process their food which is done through their multi-chambered stomach. Delilah's sanctuary diet includes Antler Max, Timothy pellets and hay. Like deer in the wild, Delilah will find a resting place to process her diet. A startled mule deer will use a special kind of pogo-stick-style of jumping called "stotting" to escape. This type of jump allows the deer to easily move over obstacles and change direction while jumping. A single jump can cover almost 25 feet. Three-year-old Delilah has a special talent. She and several other zoo sanctuary residents are painters. Their paintings will be on display at the Gallery at 48 Natoma in early March. Be sure to watch for this special display. Plan your visit to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday For more information about the zoo sanctuary residents and events, go to folsom.ca.us.