Uncertainty looms large over the lives of spotted deer and sambar in the deer park functioning on the premises of the Hill Palace Complex.
Though 13 animals and 5 fawns had died there in the past few days, Forest authorities could not come up with a solution for the management of these wild animals. Currently, there are 232 spotted deer and 32 sambar in the enclosure.
The Central Zoo Authority had a decade earlier ordered its closure and shifting of animals to some suitable locations after finding that the deer were kept there illegally.
The closure order could not be implemented as the authorities could not evolve a definite plan for the translocation of the animals.
The department had earlier dropped a plan to relocate the animals out of Thripunithura considering the expense and risk involved in it.
P.K. Kesavan, Head of Forest Force, Kerala, said that a very complex situation was prevailing in Thripunithura regarding the protection of deer.
The department is trying to figure out an action plan for protecting the animals, the official said.
The translocation of the animals is an uphill task as one needs to find a suitable location first for moving the animals. They need to be tranquillised before shifting. Darting the animal is a risky job as there is the possibility of mortality, he said.
On the possibility of releasing them to the wild, Mr. Kesavan, who is also the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State, said the animals that grew up in captivity may find it difficult to survive in the wild. They will not be adept to feeding and survival techniques in wild environments. They may fall easy prey to their predators or may stray out to human habitations, which will be disastrous for them, he said.
Every animal, which is to be released to the wild, will have to be elaborately screened for a host of diseases as the infected ones could spread diseases among wild populations. The screening will also be a laborious and expensive process, he said.
Jeorji P. Mathechan, Field Director, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kottayam, said the department is in the process of finalising a plan for the management of the animals.
The department has sought inputs from two forest veterinarians on the formalities including the drugs to be used for tranquillising the animals and the modalities of transporting them, he said.
A joint team of officials drawn up from various government departments will have to be formed for the process and the Forest Department will offer all support for it, he said.