Rescued sambar deer released after treatment for severe dehydration
A young fawn found beside a Singapore expressway was released into a forested area after being stabilised by veterinarians.
A young sambar deer was rescued and released into a forested area near the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) on November 9, according to the Times of India. The fawn was found on a grass patch beside the southbound BKE on November 8 after being spotted by a motorist.
Motorist James Lee saw the animal at approximately 2pm while riding his scooter. Lee stopped to prevent the deer from wandering onto the road and contacted the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES). A Land Transport Authority (LTA) officer also spotted the deer and alerted authorities.
NParks took charge of the rescue and transported the fawn to the Mandai Wildlife Centre. A joint statement from NParks and Mandai Nature on November 9 said veterinarians found the animal was weak and severely dehydrated. The medical team performed blood tests and radiographs to stabilise its condition.
The fawn was monitored overnight and showed improvement. Following the assessment, NParks released the animal on November 9 in a forested area near where it was originally found.
The local initiative Save Sambar Deer suggested the animal may have entered the area through an unfinished section of fencing. The initiative also noted the fawn may have suffered from malnourishment after being trapped. Lee reported seeing the mother deer run after the vehicle carrying the fawn as it left the area.