'Unicorn' myth comes to life in Italy

Melbourne, June 12 : A deer with a single horn in the center of its head, similar to the fabled unicorn, has caused a stir in Italy.

The roe deer was born in captivity at the Centre of Natural Sciences' park in the Tuscan town of Prato, near Florence.

"This is fantasy becoming reality,'' News.com.au quoted Gilberto Tozzi, director of the centre, as saying.

The unicorn, a horse-like creature with magical healing powers, has appeared in legends and stories throughout history.

However, experts believe that the condition may have been caused by a genetic flaw.

Mr Tozzi, who had never seen the condition before, said such anomalies might have inspired the myth of the unicorn.

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

ANI