Weak sambar deer rescued from BKE and released

After securing the deer on the same day, NParks sent it to Mandai Wildlife Centre, where a veterinary team experienced with sambar and other deer species provided specialised care.

The deer was found to be weak and severely dehydrated, according to the statement.

Veterinarians at the centre carried out a full health assessment, including blood tests and radiographs, and began treatment immediately to stabilise the deer.

After close monitoring overnight, the fawn showed improvement and was assessed to be suitable for release, according to the statement.

The animal was released by NParks on Nov 9 in a forested area near where it was found.

NParks and Mandai Nature reminded the public not to handle injured wild animals on their own, and to contact NParks’ 24-hour Animal Response Centre on 1800-476-1600 for urgent cases of wildlife requiring rescue.

James Lee, the motorist who found the deer and posted the encounter online, told The Straits Times that he spotted the animal at around 2pm.

“I love nature and animals, and when I spotted the fawn lying down on the shoulder of the expressway, I knew I had to make sure it was safe and did not venture out onto the expressway,” he said.

He added that he stopped his scooter about 100m past the animal and ran back to help it, as he had heard of traffic accidents involving sambar deer and other wildlife.

In his Facebook post, he said the fawn’s mother was nearby and had run after the van as it left with her baby, adding that he hoped that the fawn would be reunited with its mother soon.