Barking deer? They’re coming to Fresno Chaffee Zoo

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – What’s described as a new “lush, immersive” exhibit is now open at the Fresno Chaffe Zoo, and it brings with it the return of some familiar animal faces – and one new one.

According to the zoo, the renovated space is the final piece of the Kingdoms of Asia exhibit and will house the Muntjac barking deer, Malaysian tapirs, and babirusas, a species of Asian pig. Visitors will be able to watch and learn about the animals in what’s described as “one of the most transformative experiences at the Zoo in the last five years.”

“We’ve built this beautiful Kingdoms of Asia exhibit, the last piece is in place now, a repurposing of the old elephant and rhino exhibit into something modern and aesthetically pleasing and good for the animals,” said Director and CEO Jon Forest Dohlin. “I think it’s what the community has been waiting for and we’re proud to unveil it.”

The Asian tapirs and babirusas have settled into their new home and can be visited starting Friday.

The barking deer, also known as muntjac, will be moving into the exhibit soon, zoo staff say. The small deer get their name from their extremely vocal calls, but despite their name, their calls sound more like a scream.

The renovated space that will house the Kingdoms of Asia exhibit is one of the oldest parts of the zoo that originally housed Nosey the elephant when she arrived back in 1949, according to staff.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.