The pilgrims to famous pagodas in Minbu (Sagu) Township can visit the endangered golden deer farm at Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary, according to the Shwesettaw Pagoda Board of Trustees.
The conservation of golden deer started in 2012 with five male and seven female deer from Nay Pyi Taw Safari Park and Bagan Lawkananda Park. At present, there are 16 male and 30 female deer, totalling 46 deer. They are fed with water convolvulus in the morning and other tender leaves or supplements in the evening. The members of the pagoda board of trustees carefully look after the deer.
“The star tortoises and golden deer are the world’s most endangered species. Moreover, the Myanmar golden deer is the resident species found only in our country. Therefore, we have to conserve them to avoid extinction and ensure to rise deer population. During the Shwesettaw pagoda festival and open season, the visitors to well-known tourist areas in Minbu (Sagu) can also observe the golden deer at Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary,” said U Thein Hlaing, vice-chair of the pagoda board of trustees. — Zeyar Htet (Minbu)/KTZH
