Cedar Springs, Michigan is home to Deer Tracks Junction, an amusement park and farm hybrid that is “all about Family, Animals, and FUN while making unforgettable memories.” Deer Tracks Junction proudly boasts that park goers are able “to see all kinds of critters “up close and personal”, all while strolling through the park.”
It sounds like a good time, but the best and most unique thing about Deer Tracks Junction was their star, a special, little deer with “Piebaldism.” His name was Dragon and there has not been many creatures in the whole world quite like him, but he was incredible adorable and undeniably unique.
Dragon was rejected by his mother at birth before he ended up at Deer Tracks Junction.
Dragon has a condition called “Piebaldism.”
Piebaldism is a condition characterized by the absence of cells called melanocytes in certain areas of the skin and hair. Melanocytes produce the pigment melanin, which contributes to hair, eye, and skin color. The absence of melanocytes leads to patches of skin and hair that are lighter than normal.
According to lifeinfingerlakes.com:
“Out of an estimated 28 million whitetail deer in North America, you may find it even more fascinating to know that in the whitetail deer population, it is estimated that less than 2 per cent will be born piebald.”
Dragon’s mother probably abandoned him because of the piebald, since it leaves deer with limited vision and hearing and thus more vulnerable to predators.
Dragon was lucky to be born at Deer Tracks Junction where humans could take care of him in place of his mother, who abandoned him.
Sadly, Dragon passed away due to health complications. Deer Track Junction posted at the time:
“Well, sadly, this is an update that I never wanted to have to make. Despite all medical intervention available, we lost our little Dragon. It has been a tough time here, and he will be greatly missed by all.
For his short ime on earth, it was really cool for both the folks at Deer Tracks Junction and anyone in the world who got a glimpse at this unique and adorable deer.
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