Shamsuddin Illius, Chittagong
Publication Date: 30 October, 2015
Media: The Independent
Media: The Independent
Original Link: Rare deer born in Ctg Zoo
E-paper Link:Rare deer born in Ctg Zoo
A sambar, a rare species of sub-continental deer, gave birth to a fawn at Chittagong Zoo early yesterday.
With the arrival of the new-born, the number of sambars at the zoo has risen to three. The other two are the fawn’s parents, father Kajal and mother Laily.
Zoo officials said Laily and Kajal gave birth to the fawn around 2.30 am yesterday.
Zoo authorities have placed it under close observation for 15 days, as deer fawns usually remain in danger during that period.
Zoo authorities have placed it under close observation for 15 days, as deer fawns usually remain in danger during that period.
The zoo’s veterinary surgeon, Mohammad Shahadat Hossain Shuvo, told The Independent: “The survival rate of the species is very small during the intensive monitoring period. We’re likely to name the baby deer as soon as the intensive monitoring period is over.”
Shuvo said they still do not know whether the fawn was male or female. “We’re yet to identify its gender because we did not go in to touch it considering its safety,” He added.
This was the fourth fawn born to the female deer at the zoo. Laily had earlier given birth to Rekha on June 15, 2012, five years after her arrival at the Zoo. However, Rekha died about six months ago. She had given birth to two more fawns on July 17, 2013 and December 19, 2014, but they too died within a short time.
The veterinary surgeon said that Sambar is native to the Indian subcontinent. “Once, a large number of this species inhabited the hilly regions of this country. Unfortunately, the species is now hardly seen in Bangladesh and is almost on the verge of extinction,” he added.
At present, Chittagong Zoo has 18 deer of three species, including 10 spotted and five barking deer. It also houses 360 animals from 67 species of mammals, reptiles and birds.
Shuvo said they still do not know whether the fawn was male or female. “We’re yet to identify its gender because we did not go in to touch it considering its safety,” He added.
This was the fourth fawn born to the female deer at the zoo. Laily had earlier given birth to Rekha on June 15, 2012, five years after her arrival at the Zoo. However, Rekha died about six months ago. She had given birth to two more fawns on July 17, 2013 and December 19, 2014, but they too died within a short time.
The veterinary surgeon said that Sambar is native to the Indian subcontinent. “Once, a large number of this species inhabited the hilly regions of this country. Unfortunately, the species is now hardly seen in Bangladesh and is almost on the verge of extinction,” he added.
At present, Chittagong Zoo has 18 deer of three species, including 10 spotted and five barking deer. It also houses 360 animals from 67 species of mammals, reptiles and birds.
