An Australian woman living in Dubai had a surreal encounter during a routine drive, capturing bizarre creatures that looked like a fantasy hybrid of a rabbit and a deer. Her video, posted online, quickly went viral, leaving the internet both amazed and puzzled.
An Unforgettable Desert Sighting
Louise Starkey, an expat originally from Sydney who has been in Dubai for two years, was on her way to a barbecue when she spotted the odd animals. From her car, she filmed what appeared to be giant rabbits lounging on the grass near Crescent Moon Lake in the Al Marmoom area. The popular desert spot was packed with visitors at the time.
"What the hell is that? God, is that a bunny?" an off-camera voice can be heard asking in the clip. Starkey shared the video on Instagram, captioning it, "What in the Harry Potter concoction is this? Is this a bunny deer dog?" The post resonated wildly, amassing a staggering 1.3 million views in just one day.
Social Media Solves The Mystery
The online confusion was short-lived as knowledgeable Instagram users quickly identified the animals. The creatures were revealed to be Patagonian maras, large rodents native to Argentina. Commenters explained that they resemble a cross between a rabbit and a small deer.
One user wrote, "They are called a Patagonian mara and I legit had the exact same reaction when I saw these little bundles of wizardry cuteness." Another clarified, "This is a Patagonian mara - a large wild rodent originally from Argentina... They're harmless herbivores and people have started seeing them near Al Qudra lakes since 2020."
A third commenter noted their likely origin, stating, "The Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is home to approximately 200 maras, believed to have originated from abandoned pets." This aligns with expert accounts. Jacky Judas, in A Natural History of the Emirates, wrote that this species is common in zoos and "undoubtedly found its way out from captivity."
What Are Patagonian Maras?
Patagonian maras are fascinating herbivores from the grassy steppes of Argentina. Their unique appearance combines features of several animals:
- Size: They can grow up to 70 cm long and weigh between 8 to 16 kg.
- Appearance: They possess long legs, large ears, and have a distinctive bouncy way of moving.
- Behaviour: Known for their speed, they can run up to 45 km/h to escape predators like foxes. They often "stot" or bounce on all fours like antelopes when alarmed.
- Social Structure: They typically live in loyal pairs or small family groups, raising their young in burrows.
In Dubai, these South American natives have found an unlikely home. Reports, including a 2024 Independent article, confirm they now roam areas like the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and the Al Qudra Lakes. The reserve, where Crescent Moon Lake is located, is a protected wildlife haven also home to oryx and various bird species.
The viral episode highlights how exotic, non-native species can establish populations in new environments, often starting from escaped or released pets. While intriguing, experts advise that these wild animals are best admired from a distance.
