Sambar dead in Kapilas zoo

Dhenkanal (Odisha): An adult sambar, which was ailing for some time died at Kapilas zoo in Odisha's Dhenkanal district, a forest department official said today.

The deer was under treatment for suspected tuberculosis and died yesterday, Divisional Forest Officer, Dhenkanal, Pradipta Kumar Sahu said. The reason behind the death would be known after the post-mortem, he said, adding a specialist veterinary doctor would visit the zoo to check other animals.

With the death of the sambar the number of this species of deer in the zoo, situated on the foothills of Kapilas hills, has come down to five. Other animals in the zoo include spotted deer, bears, and elephants.

Meanwhile, forest department personnel have spotted a new born elephant calf being taken care of by its mother in
Maulabhanja forests under Kamakshyanagar (East) forest range of Dhenkanal division. The elephant is believed to have given birth yesterday. Forest personnel are keeping a watch on it and the calf, the DFO said.