On 17th April 2025, the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park (JDWNP) office received a report about an injured juvenile Sambar deer in Khatoed Gewog, Gasa Dzongkhag. Responding promptly, park officials collaborated with livestock professionals from the Dzongkhag Veterinary Hospital (DVH) to initiate a rescue operation.
Upon reaching the location, the rescue team safely tranquilized the deer and transported it to DVH for preliminary assessment. Examination revealed a fracture of right hindlimb. Due to the nature and severity of the injury, the animal was referred to the National Veterinary Hospital (NVH), Thimphu on 18th April 2025 for further diagnostic work and treatment.
At NVH, the veterinary team conducted a thorough physical examination and X-ray imaging, which confirmed a right tibial fracture. Unfortunately, the fracture could not be immobilized effectively for healing. After careful evaluation, the team made the decision to proceed with surgical amputation of the affected leg. The procedure was carried out under general and regional anesthesia and was completed successfully without complications.
Following the surgery, the Sambar deer was transferred to the Taba Rescue Center, a facility equipped to care for injured and recovering wildlife. As of today —seven days post-operation—the deer is reported to be stable and recovering well.
