Torridon ‘local legend’ Beinn Eighe deer Callum ‘put down’ by National Trust
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“DEEP SADNESS” expressed after Torridon’s “local legend” deer, Callum, was “humanely put down” by National Trust for Scotland, who say the decision was “the kindest option” for the stag.
Callum the deer was a well-known character to locals and tourists alike, often spotted in Torridon’s Beinn Eighe car park.
Unfortunately, it is believed that due to being fed the wrong foods by visitors, he lost most of his teeth and, therefore, the ability to forage for himself, reportedly then having to rely on locals feeding him through the winter
it was reported yesterday that Callum had been put down by the National Trust for Scotland, sparking emotional online reaction from many of Callum’s fans.
A National Trust for Scotland spokesperson said: “We are saddened to say that following expert vet advice, Callum the stag, who was often found in the car park at Torridon, has had to be humanely put down. We know that many in the community, and visitors too, will be sorry to hear this. As a conservation charity, we take our responsibilities for animal welfare seriously and the advice was that this was the kindest option.”
Highland historian and one of Callum’s fans, Andrew Grant McKenzie said: “Deeply sad news indeed, but I have no doubt the advice was for welfare reasons and Callum’s condition had deteriorated in recent years. The issue of people feeding wildlife is one that comes up regularly across the Highlands.
“Callum was a wild animal who became a bit of a local legend and if he is now gone, hopefully his life has highlighted the importance of respecting our natural world in the Highlands and not feeding the deer things which they wouldn’t be able to browse themselves naturally.
“It was clear that he was being fed by visitors for some time and had become reliant on that food source. Hopefully the herd in Torridon which was developed, managed and researched meticulously by Lea MacNally, will continue to be strong and well managed.”
