Animal Magic Wildlife Rescue Animal Magic Wildlife Rescue

MOVE OVER BAMBI. There’s only room for one brave little deer in this town and Munster’s own Mairéad is playing an absolute blinder.

The fawn was found crying in a ditch in Glencarney, Co. Cork last weekend, after being shot in the back.

Farmer Micheál O’Keefe and his sister – who Mairéad is named after- teamed up with Rosie Campbell from Animal Magic Wildlife Rescue in the hopes of saving her.

The fawn had to undergo two operations at Crescent Veterinary Clinic in Dooradoyle, Limerick, where X-rays revealed that the bullet luckily hadn’t appeared to do any significant damage to her spine.

Mairead last Saturday, January 18th Animal Magic Wildlife Rescue Animal Magic Wildlife Rescue

However, it had disintegrated within her body so it was decided that it would be safer not to remove the remaining fragments. They haven’t stopped her from attempting to get back on her feet though.

“She’s bright as a button”, Animal Magic’s Denis McCarthy told DailyEdge.ie when we called to see how the little Sika deer was doing. “She can move her back legs but she can’t support her own weight yet. The vet is hopeful that she’ll be OK”, he said.

Mairéad's settled in rather nicely at Animal Magic in Co Limerick Animal Magic Wildlife Rescue Animal Magic Wildlife Rescue

Mairéad is recuperating under Campbell’s watchful eye at Animal Magic in Kilmallock, Co Limerick, and McCarthy says the little doe has them all fawning over her.

She knows her routine. She gets a bit stressed when we have to change the dressings but once that’s done, all is forgiven and she’s back licking your hand again… It’s hard to believe she’s a wild animal.

However, Mairéad’s battle isn’t over just yet. If she doesn’t recover the use of her back legs there’s a chance that her story won’t have a happy ending.

Hopes are high though. Last week she had very limited mobility but now she’s able to bend right the way around and lick her wound. “She even kicked me” McCarthy said.

Mairead's a real character and doesn't seem at all bothered by the cameras Animal Magic Wildlife Rescue Animal Magic Wildlife Rescue

The wildlife rescue is hopeful that whoever shot Mairéad will be caught, and McCarthy hopes that by raising awareness about her plight they’ll be able to bring attention to a wider problem.

The incident is believed to have taken place on private land and is being investigated by the Gardaí in terms of poaching.

There’s a baby deer shot. Shot just 100 yards from a house. It could as easily have been a child or a domestic pet.

As for Mairéad? Well, she’s enjoying her new found fame and all the extra attention she’s been getting from the media.

“She’s cool as a breeze” McCarthy revealed. “She’s almost posing for the cameras.”

And judging by the adorable photos we’d easily believe it.

Animal Magic Wildlife Rescue Animal Magic Wildlife Rescue

Get well soon Mairéad!

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