A deer has died at the eco-park in Tetulia upazila, Panchagarh. Two other deer died there some time ago. Locals allege the deer are dying because of an unbalanced environment, severe cold, poor security and neglect.

The deer was found dead in the park on the morning of Saturday 12 November. The forest department-run eco-park now has only two deer.

According to the forest department, Tetulia Eco-Park was set up in a mango orchard on about ten acres of forest department land on the bank of the Mahananda river in Tetulia upazila. Wildlife conservation and display began at the eco-park in 2021, when a pair of deer was brought from the Dinajpur forest department. A fawn born to them died soon after birth. Later the mother fell ill and was sent back to Ramsagar Eco-Park in Dinajpur for treatment, and another pair of deer was brought. Of three male deer, two are now alive.

The eco-park generated enthusiasm among locals when it opened, and large numbers of visitors come every day. But for lack of adequate security, dogs often get in and chase the deer.

Local journalist and environmental activist Ashraful Islam said the eco-park is now one of Tetulia's main tourist attractions, with large numbers of people visiting the park on the bank of the Mahananda every day. "The animals in the eco-park are dying for lack of proper initiative and through neglect. This is very sad," he said.

Kazi Moksed, the lessee of Tetulia Eco-Park, said that once the eco-park was leased out, the authorities seemed to think their responsibility was over. There is no animal specialist or vet there, and the eco-park is not running well mainly because of a shortage of animals and staff, he said.

Shahidul Islam, beat officer of the Tetulia forest department, said the deer had been well but suddenly fell ill. It was given first aid, but in the morning it was found dead.

Ujjal Hossain, range officer of the district forest department, said a team of vets would visit on Sunday to investigate and carry out a post-mortem on the dead deer. If anyone is found to have been negligent, appropriate departmental action will be taken, he said.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.