Cuttack deer park to close down, 300 stags to get relocated to makeshift rescue facility in Chandaka

Cuttack, Tulasipur's renowned deer park is set to close. Deer from the packed park are now being moved by the Forest Department to a makeshift rescue center (special enclosure) at Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary. Although thirty deer have already been moved in two stages, it will take a month to move all 300 deers. With assistance from the Chandaka Forest Department and Nandankanan authorities, they are being relocated to a 70-acre protected enclosure at the Chandaka-Dampada sanctuary.

Cuttack Deer Park: Not Enough Space

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) issued a warning and an order from the Orissa High Court regarding the need to provide the park's animals with enough room and a healthy environment, which prompted the action. The deer at the Cuttack deer park were moved in order to provide a better habitat and environment, but the animal keepers who have been caring for the deer for decades expressed regret at the move.

Popular Landmark for Children

Every day, children flocked to the 42-year-old deer park in Cuttack to witness the playful fawns. It was a popular landmark. In light of this, several city residents have also asked to have some of the deer at the park remain behind. However, the officials of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) acknowledged their powerlessness to maintain the park's operation in Cuttack.

Cuttack Municipal Corporation Statement

CMC Commissioner Nikhil Pawan Kalyan stated to reporters, “We will move the entire park within a month. It's a Forest Department decision. We no longer possess the license necessary to retain these deer in the park. According to the proposal for road extension, more than half of the park will shortly be demolished. However, I will undoubtedly bring up the matter with the government and the forest department.”

There were just five deer when the 2.5-acre Deer Park was first created in 1981, but today the numbers are 296. This has led to problems with space. According to Central Zoo Authority (CZA) regulations, no more than 15 deer may be housed on a 2.5-acre plot of land. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) issued a warning and an order from the Orissa High Court regarding the need to provide enough space and a suitable environment for the deer population, which prompted the local body to take action. Due to shortage of space for the animals, the Central Zoo Authority withdrew its recognition for Cuttack Deer Park in 2021.