While most people typically adopt cats or dogs, a man named Jeff unexpectedly became the temporary guardian of an orphaned fawn.
The young fawn was too young to survive on her own, but luckily, she wandered into the perfect backyard. What happened next warmed everyone’s hearts.
Jeff, a certified wildlife rehabber, was on his daily walk through the forest when he suddenly spotted a young fawn. But, what broke his heart was that her mother was nowhere to be found.
Experienced as he is, Jeff decided to try to take the orphaned fawn under his care. He attached a bottle of milk to a bird feeder in his backyard, and to his surprise, the fawn immediately went for it.
Jeff thought that bonding with the young fawn would be a mission impossible, but what happened later was completely unexpected.
Slowly but surely, he began holding the bottle himself, and the fawn came right away with no fear.
He continued caring for the fawn, feeding her six bottles a day, and eventually, they got really close. Although Jeff is a certified wildlife rehabber, he never expected to form such a strong bond with a young fawn. He said in an interview:
“To have a baby deer, as a friend, free to go, you just help them with their milk, and they like you. It was awesome.”
However, Jeff was aware that the fawn was a wild animal and would always remain wild. Yet, she continued to surprise him. During the day, she would do her things, but every morning she’d come by his house and wait.
Jeff named his furry friend Fairy, and he even taught her how to eat solid food, just like a mother deer would. He also took long walks in the forest with her, ensuring she knew how to survive in the wild.
During these walks, Fairy learned how to fend for herself. Still, Jeff hoped she would find some company of her own species.
One day, that was exactly what happened. Fairy encountered a pack of deer, a mother and two young fawns.
Jeff watched with hope as Fairy approached the group, and to his delight, the mother deer accepted her as one of their own. He said it was one of the best days of both their lives.
Fairy left with her new family, leaving her human dad behind. Well, that was what Jeff initially thought.
She continued visiting him with her new family, and he couldn’t believe his eyes. Every time she heard his voice, she’d come running to greet a human who saved her life.
Just before the cold winter set in, Fairy visited Jeff with her new family. She licked him, as if saying goodbye, and left with the other deer.
After that, Jeff didn’t see any deer until April, when he woke up to the sight of a deer in his backyard. He went out to investigate and quickly realized it was Fairy, who came back to visit him. He added:
“My Fairy survived. It was a very touching moment. I was very happy.”
Fairy and her family, Prince and Victoria, continued visiting their beloved human Jeff, who felt incredibly lucky to have experienced something so extraordinary. He shared:
“It was a gift from wildlife to have me experience this with such a beautiful, incredible animal. She will remain wild, and she decides when she wants to visit me or not.”
Jeff hopes that Fairy will return next spring with her own fawn, and nothing would make him happier than that. Jeff, I hope your wish comes true once again!