Los Angeles Zoo Names Newborn Pudu Deer After NCT's Haechan After Successful Fundraiser Campaign

A tiny deer born in the Los Angeles Zoo has been named after NCT’s Haechan!

The story of the pudu deer, the smallest deer in the world, was recently shared by news outlets such as the LA Times and Forbes. The story is that a pudu fawn was born on December 19, 2018. As the species is in grave danger of extinction, the birth of the fawn was celebrated by the zoo and the news was shared on social media.

Pudu also happens to be one of Haechan’s nicknames, given to him by fans who find he resembles the deer with his wide eyes and tongue slightly poking out when he eats. Fans began sharing the news along with mentions of Haechan, which the zoo caught on to.

Seeing such high interest from NCTzens [official fan club name], the LA Zoo opened up a fundraiser campaign and explained that people have the opportunity to name animals born at the zoo if they donate to help conservation efforts. They stated that if fans were able to donate $2,000 in five days, they would name the deer after Haechan.

It's come to our attention that Haechan of the K-pop group @NCTsmtown is considered by many of his fans to resemble an adorable pudu. So we want to give fans the opportunity to officially name the newborn fawn after the singer! https://t.co/s00mYUwdvb pic.twitter.com/zRvo8UMHsa

— Los Angeles Zoo (@LAZoo) January 10, 2019

Showing their love for Haechan and an interest in saving the species, fans banded together and donated over $2,500 in approximately three hours. With the goal met, the pudu fawn will be named Baby Haechan, and the LA Zoo stated, “We hope that the next time Haechan is in Los Angeles, he will come visit the zoo and meet the pudu deer that shares his name.”

Wow! @NCTsmtown fans have met the goal already, and we are *so* grateful–as a nonprofit, your generosity means the world. We'll update you tomorrow about the official naming, and sincere thanks from all who care for the animals…especially pudus Mario, Steph, & baby Haechan. 💓 pic.twitter.com/vcfp3Z6Ptk

— Los Angeles Zoo (@LAZoo) January 10, 2019

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