Massive Deer Translocation Initiative from Sambalpur Zoo to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sambalpur Zoo has embarked on an ambitious project to relocate 115 spotted deer to the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary. As of Tuesday, 12 deer have been moved and are now in a specialized quarantine enclosure. The initiative aims to manage the zoo's overpopulation and enhance prey augmentation in the sanctuary.

The forest department launched a significant translocation project on Tuesday, moving 115 spotted deer from Sambalpur Zoo to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The initial batch of 12 deer has already been relocated and placed in a quarantine enclosure for acclimatization.

The deer will stay in the quarantine enclosure, equipped with amenities like a saltlick, water pool, treatment care unit, CCTV, and black flash cameras, for three to four weeks before being released into the wild. The translocation is a phased process, continuing with batches of 12 to 16 deer being moved during dawn and dusk.

This initiative aims to address the overpopulation of deer at Sambalpur Zoo and to boost prey numbers in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary. An emergency healthcare unit is also in place to ensure the well-being of the translocated animals during this transition period.

(With inputs from agencies.)