HASSAN: This is a heartwarming story of a Hassan family’s profound bond with a sambar which was saved from the clutches of street dogs many years ago.
Paramesh-Kusuma couple from Attihalli village of Sakleshpur taluk had faced a peculiar problem when their cattle came back home from a nearby forest with the sambar calf seven years ago.
The couple rescued the calf from street dogs and kept it as one of their family members for three years.
Fearing action from forest officials, the couple handed over their ‘pet’ to the officials later.
The forest officials released the deer into Gendekatte forest on the outskirts of Hassan and the couple were rewarded for protecting the animal.
Since then, the couple and their family members often visit the park attached to Gendekatte forest to feed their deer.
When they recently came to know about shortage of green fodder at Gendekatte forest, they approached the Forest Department with a demand; they wanted to take the deer home to ensure it gets sufficient food and water during the summer.
They said they would take care of the deer till the summer is over, but officials did not give permission.
“We decided to take care of the animal which is not getting sufficient green fodder in the forest. We said we will return the animal once the summer is over, but the Deputy Conservator of Forests rejected our request, citing the Wildlife Act,” said Paramesh.
The couple who returned home with a heavy heart said the department should feed the deer green fodder every day.
According to officials, the department has taken steps to stock enough fodder and drinking water for sambar and other animals in the forest.