ROYAL OAK, Mich. -- The Detroit Zoo’s must-see list of baby animals has grown by one with the August 24 birth of a male pudu, the world’s smallest species of deer.

The baby's mother arrived from another zoo in February as a mate for the Detroit Zoo's lone male.

They were paired together as part of a plan to ensure genetically healthy and diverse populations of threatened and endangered species.

The fawn is one of only 28 pudus in U.S. zoos.

"Pudus aren't very common in nature or in zoos and this baby helps us represent one of the lesser-known animals in our world," said Scott Carter, director of Conservation and Animal Welfare in a recent press release.

Native to South Africa, the pudu can reach a height of 15 inches and weigh between 18-30 pounds at maturity.

The tiny deer is distinguished by its reddish-brown fur and distinct features, including rounded ears, small blacks eyes and short legs.

The Detroit Zoo's pudus can be seen in their habitat across from the anteaters and tapirs.