"unicorn" deer found in italy

[Amby 490]

A deer with a single horn in the center of its head — much like the fabled, mythical unicorn — has been spotted in a nature preserve in Italy, park officials said Wednesday.

"This is fantasy becoming reality," Gilberto Tozzi, director of the Center of Natural Sciences in Prato, told The Associated Press. "The unicorn has always been a mythological animal."

The 1-year-old Roe Deer — nicknamed "Unicorn" — was born in captivity in the research center's park in the Tuscan town of Prato, near Florence, Tozzi said.

He is believed to have been born with a genetic flaw; his twin has two horns.

Calling it the first time he has seen such a case, Tozzi said such anomalies among deer may have inspired the myth of the unicorn.

The unicorn, a horse-like creature with magical healing powers, has appeared in legends and stories throughout history, from ancient and medieval texts to the adventures of Harry Potter.

"This shows that even in past times, there could have been animals with this anomaly," he said by telephone. "It's not like they dreamed it up."

Single-horned deer are rare but not unheard of — but even more unusual is the central positioning of the horn, experts said.

"Generally, the horn is on one side (of the head) rather than being at the center. This looks like a complex case," said Fulvio Fraticelli, scientific director of Rome's zoo. He said the position of the horn could also be the result of a trauma early in the animal's life.

Other mammals are believed to contribute to the myth of the unicorn, including the narwhal, a whale with a long, spiraling tusk.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?.../i084952D66.DTL

[VisaJourneyLady 33]

best thread yet!!

[Marc and Olga 0]

AWWWW

I am sensing a change in my account info =O

[Amby 490]

you're the unicorn deer

[Ban Hammer 14,283]

you're the unicorn deer

it's rumored only a virgin can ride on the back of a unicorn......

[MrsCat 6]

you're the unicorn deer

it's rumored only a virgin can ride on the back of a unicorn......

I wonder if that includes revirginized women? Maybe the Unicorn could tell the diff - which would then make it very valuable tool for men in deciding who to marry.

[Ban Hammer 14,283]

you're the unicorn deer

it's rumored only a virgin can ride on the back of a unicorn......

I wonder if that includes revirginized women? Maybe the Unicorn could tell the diff - which would then make it very valuable tool for men in deciding who to marry.

probably sell it for millions to some middle east sheik.......

[MrsCat 6]

[jundp 191]

I just saw this on fark.com and then got sidetracked looking at all the special animals. Like the cyclops kitty and the dogs and cats and cows with 6 or more legs. FREAKY STUFF MAN.

[Marc and Olga 0]

you're the unicorn deer

it's rumored only a virgin can ride on the back of a unicorn......

I wonder if that includes revirginized women? Maybe the Unicorn could tell the diff - which would then make it very valuable tool for men in deciding who to marry.

probably sell it for millions to some middle east sheik.......

Trade rides for barrels of oil =)

"you choose the woman, one ride, 10 barrels! "

[Nagishkaw 510]

[Sister Fracas 5]

cool!

[almaty 19]

good story...

[Alhamdulillah 0]

I can't believe there's a unicorn thread and NO unicorn SONG!! Has everyone gone mad????