A Scottish deer which was well known and particularly popular with Highland tourists had to be euthanised after developing health problems and losing its teeth, due to poor food given to it by visitors.
“I hope his life has highlighted the importance of respecting our natural world in the Highlands and not feeding deer things that they could not naturally graze on themselves,” lamented Monday. Highland historian Andrew Grant McKenzie, and fan of the famous stag at The Guardian.
Named Callum, the red deer who hung out at the bottom of the Beinn Eighe Mountains in the Torridon area of Scotland was a ‘local legend’ according to the historian, as he regularly posed for photos and approached humans , to the great delight of tourists.
Croissants, rice krispies, cereal bars: unfortunately, by being fed inappropriate food by hikers, the deer lost the majority of its teeth and was now struggling to feed itself, according to the British media.
According to a veterinarian’s assessment, Callum’s health had deteriorated to the point where he was suffering pain and discomfort, due to “poor body condition, poor coat condition and arthritis.” », reported for its part The Independent.
Faced with the situation, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) would have taken the decision to euthanize him to end his suffering.
“We are saddened to say that following advice from an expert vet, Callum the deer […] had to be humanely killed, a spokesperson said. As a conservation charity, we take our animal welfare responsibilities seriously and this was the kindest option.”
