In a touching tale of unlikely friendship, a young orphaned deer named Ziggy has found solace and companionship with an 11-month-old baby girl named Isabella.
This beautiful story took place in Essex, where the fawn was rescued after its mother tragically died in a car accident. Ziggy’s story is not only one of survival but also of the unbreakable bond that can form between humans and animals.
A Rescue That Changed Everything
Ziggy’s journey began when she was spotted on the side of the road in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, after her mother was fatally struck by a car.
Fortunately, a passerby who noticed the tiny fawn acted quickly, contacting Mountfitchet Castle, a local Norman castle and museum. Jeremy Goldsmith, who manages the castle, immediately took the orphaned deer under his care. Ziggy was given a warm shed to rest in, safe from harm, as she settled into her new life.
Within just a few hours of being rescued, Ziggy adjusted to her surroundings. What made the situation even more special was the connection that quickly formed between the fawn and Jeremy’s 11-month-old daughter, Isabella.
An Unlikely Friendship: Ziggy and Isabella
Ziggy’s adjustment to her new home wasn’t just about finding a safe place to live; she also discovered a new best friend in Isabella. The bond between the two was almost instantaneous.
The young baby and the fawn began spending hours together, playing, cuddling, and even exchanging kisses. Jeremy, an animal lover who grew up in a family that cared for animals, was thrilled to see how natural the connection between the two was.
“Isabella and Ziggy have formed an incredible bond,” Jeremy shared. “They spend hours together, with Isabella stroking and kissing Ziggy. It’s such a heartwarming sight to see how gentle they are with one another.”
Caring for Ziggy: A Family Deer Affair
Caring for Ziggy quickly became a family effort. Three times a day, Jeremy heads to the barn to feed the fawn, and Isabella joins him on each visit. The young deer, believed to be around two months old, has become an integral part of the family’s daily routine.
Despite being a wild animal, Ziggy has grown comfortable in her new environment and seems to thrive on the attention she receives from Isabella and the rest of the family.
Jeremy explained that while Ziggy is now doing well under the care of the castle staff, releasing her back into the wild would no longer be an option. “She’s too tame now and not at all afraid of people,” he said.
The decision means that Ziggy will spend her life well-fed and surrounded by the castle’s herd of five fallow deer, enjoying the companionship of both her human and animal friends.
A History of Animal Friendships
While Ziggy and Isabella’s friendship is truly special, it’s not the first time that a young child has befriended a wild animal. In 2021, another heartwarming story made headlines when a four-year-old boy named Dominic, during a family holiday in Virginia, befriended a baby deer.
The two were spotted together on the porch of their holiday rental, looking completely at ease in each other’s presence. The mother, shocked by the sight, snapped a picture of the pair, and the image quickly went viral on social media, captivating thousands.
These stories serve as reminders of the unique and often magical bonds that can form between children and animals. In both cases, the connection appears natural, with both the child and the animal showing mutual curiosity and trust.
Ziggy Deer’s Future with the Castle Herd
As Ziggy continues to grow, she will remain a part of the herd at Mountfitchet Castle, where she will be surrounded by other fallow deer. The staff at the castle are dedicated to providing her with the care she needs, ensuring she leads a fulfilling life in her new home.
Though Ziggy will never return to the wild, her story is a testament to the power of compassion and rescue, showing that even in the face of tragedy, love and kindness can create new beginnings.
Jeremy is optimistic about Ziggy’s future, especially with Isabella by her side. “We’re an animal-loving family, and I’m so glad that my daughter is growing up with this kind of experience. It’s wonderful to see how much joy they bring to each other.”
Ziggy’s story is a heartwarming example of how animals, even wild ones, can form deep connections with humans.
Thanks to the quick thinking of a passerby and the loving care of the Goldsmith family, this orphaned fawn not only found a new home but also gained a lifelong friend in young Isabella. The bond they share is a beautiful reminder of the healing power of love and compassion.
