Four nilgai calves have been born at Gazipur Safari Park, taking the park’s nilgai population to 13.
The calves, now around six weeks old, were first spotted roaming with their mothers in the park’s core safari area about a month and a half ago. Their sexes have yet to be identified, as authorities have avoided approaching them to ensure their safety.
Park authorities disclosed the news to the media Thursday afternoon.
The calves spend most of the day roaming the forest under their mothers’ protection. Whenever they sense human presence, the mother nilgais quickly take them deeper into the forest.
During a visit to the core safari area on Tuesday, the calves were seen resting under the shade of trees, while their mothers kept a close watch from nearby.
Tarek Rahman, acting officer-in-charge of Gazipur Safari Park and assistant conservator of forests, said the four calves were first spotted in the deer safari area about six weeks ago.
“They are receiving special care. A staff member responsible for the deer safari area has been assigned to monitor them round the clock,” he said.
He added that the authorities had not attempted to determine the calves’ sexes by approaching them, prioritising their safety.
According to Tarek, nilgais rescued from different border areas across the country have been brought to the park over the years, where several calves have subsequently been born.
The park previously had 11 nilgais, two of which were transferred to Dulahazra Safari Park in Cox’s Bazar. With nine remaining and four new calves born, the park’s nilgai population now stands at 13.
