Spotted deer farm
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Transcarpathia is the only spotted deer farm in Ukraine in the village of Iza, not far from Khust. Numerous Ukrainian tourists and guests from abroad come here to admire the slender-legged beauties.
The rare deer appeared on the farm back in Soviet times, in 1987. They were brought here by helicopter from the Kaliningrad region. The main purpose of raising these animals is pantocrine, a medicinal substance extracted from antlers. It is used to treat fatigue, neurasthenia, neurosis, weak heart muscle, hypotension, and to improve performance. At the time, the business was extremely profitable and brought in a lot of money. But in independent Ukraine, raw materials became much cheaper, and the deer farm was turned into a tourist attraction.
Numerous tourists come to see more than 150 spotted animals. The main thing is to bring plenty of croutons and bread - the animals' favourite treats. The farm guests feed the animals through the fence. They seem to be peaceful, but they do not like to be petted, touched or simply stroked - the instinct of self-preservation acquired by nature is triggered. Therefore, a reward for affection can be a good kick with the front legs. Deer keepers say that such a kick can send a deer flying up to 15 metres!
Deer also fight with each other. However, only during the rutting season in autumn. A stronger male can have five or even ten to twenty females in his harem. The weak one is left alone. It's simple - natural selection.
The female carries the baby for seven months, and after the birth, the fawn runs away to the forest in three days. It comes to its mother only to eat, and always in the same place. A few months later, it starts eating food, and becomes a full-grown adult at the age of four. In summer, the animals graze, and in winter, they are fed grain and hay.
Address: Khust district, Iza village
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