'David' Deer

David and Goliath
{Osmar Schindler, 1888)

The young King David remains dear to many for his bravery in confronting gigantic Goliath. We tend to admire those who seem miniscule while tackling formidable opponents.

The animal kingdom sometimes reflects such contrasts.  A tiny muntjac deer shares a Polish zoo enclosure with an enormous rhinoceros. They normally get along just fine as they munch hay together from the very same bale.

Yet everyone has an off day sooner or later… Deer males are no exception, especially while in heat.  It was then that the miniscule muntjac began charging at his rhino roommate. 

This story might have had an abrupt ending were it not for the rhino’s surprising response.  Instead of reacting in kind, ‘Goliath’ simply moved away time and again.  The aggression then passed, and peace in the zoo valley resumed.

Makes a body wonder whether future Davids could pack up their slingshots as future Goliaths learn to back up and back off…

Resources

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2026/01/12/poland-Wroclaw-Zoo-muntjac-deer-rhino/4111768245115//