When the Albino Deer Came to Stay at Presque Isle Park

A friend posted a picture of an albino deer today. Just another thing that brings me home. I have never wanted to be home so bad in my life.

It made me remember the zoo that was on Presque Isle. Growing up, we would walk around the island, visit the zoo, and stop to get ice cream.

Let’s venture back to the little zoo. A bear cub, otters, …that’s all I remember. And the deer in the enclosed environment. One year there was an albino deer there. It was white, beautiful. I was told it was rescued because the other deer were attacking it. I have no idea if this is true. I would go there and hope for a glimpse of this deer.

He or she was white, pure and did not blend in. A risk to the rest because of the color. But actually, with the snowfall and woods, no one would ever find this deer.

This picture triggered a memory.

One day my dad and I drove to the island. You couldn’t go around it, the ice cream store was closed but you could venture up the road to the zoo. Because there was snow….does the island still close the road?

We sat in the car. Walked around for a bit. Then down from the hill in the enclosed area came this beautiful white deer. My dad stopped me and said, “Don’t move.”

My mittens were in the car, my hands were cold, I saw my fathers breath and mine. We were still.

We watched this beautiful animal walk through the snow.

On the way home I stated that I think she’s the smartest deer in the UP. He replied, yes he is.

Enjoy the snow. Be the beautiful white deer.

With mittens.

by Dawn Adamson

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