Audrey Hepburn bonded deeply with a fawn named Ip (short for Pippin) while filming Green Mansions in 1958—an experience that helped soothe the emotional scars left by her traumatic childhood during World War II.

During the production of Green Mansions, Hepburn was cast as Rima, a jungle-dwelling woman who shares a mystical connection with nature. To build chemistry with her on-screen companion—a fawn—an animal trainer suggested she take the baby deer home. Hepburn did just that, and the two formed an inseparable bond.

🦌 A Healing Friendship

• Ip the Fawn: Audrey named the deer “Ip” and treated her like a child. She fed her milk from a baby bottle, took her shopping in Beverly Hills, and even let her sleep in bed beside her.

• Emotional Resonance: Hepburn once said, “I don’t have any children of my own, but I’m learning a lot from Ip.” Her nurturing of the fawn reflected a longing for innocence and peace—something she was denied during her youth in Nazi-occupied Holland.

• Photographic Legacy: Bob Willoughby, a photographer who documented Hepburn’s life, captured iconic images of her strolling with Ip, which remain timeless symbols of grace and vulnerability.

🌸 Why It Mattered

Audrey Hepburn’s childhood was marked by hunger, fear, and loss. Her connection with Ip offered a rare moment of unconditional love and trust. It wasn’t just about preparing for a role—it was about healing. The fawn became a quiet companion, helping Hepburn reconnect with gentleness and joy.

This story reminds us that sometimes, the most unexpected friendships can mend the deepest wounds.

Sources: EyesLikePlates – Audrey Hepburn and Pippin the fawn Everything Audrey – Audrey Hepburn and Pippen