VISITORS can now re­lax and observe golden deer at the Sanctuary, located about 11 miles north­east of Kyaukpadaung, Nyaun­gU District, Mandalay Region. The place is near the global­ly renowned extinct volcano, Mount Popa and the herbal park.

 

The sanctuary is man­aged by the Forest Depart­ment and the Department of Environmental and Wildlife Conservation under the Min­istry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation. Within this sanctuary, golden deer and barking deer roam freely and a 17-acre sandalwood forest has been cultivated and preserved. Originally planted in 1957-58 by former Forestry Commissioner U Su with 25 sandalwood trees spaced 20 feet apart, the forest expand­ed naturally through seeds dispersed by birds by creating today’s lush sandalwood forest. Golden deer are now protected within this forest.

 

Visitors can access the sanctuary from the Popa Village road leading to the table moun­tain which is starting at the en­trance to the Popa Mountain Garden near the herbal park. The sanctuary offers breathtak­ing natural beauty with dense vines and sandalwood trees that provide cool shade.

 

The sanctuary is home to 11 female golden deer, four males and barking deer including one male and four females. Visitors can photograph the golden deer and enjoy zip-lining through the natural forest. Whether visiting with family or friends, it is an ideal place for relaxation.

 

Covering about 17 acres, the sanctuary features a large pond where golden deer and samburs drink water as it is allowing visitors to enjoy the serene natural surroundings. Visitors can also feed the golden deer their favourite foods such as bran, and bananas. Feed­ing donations can be made for K50,000 per session through U Tin Ohn Kyaw, Assistant Direc­tor of the Popa Mountain Gar­den via KBZ Pay at 09 254028984. The natural habitat of My­anmar’s golden deer is the Shwesettaw Sanctuary in Min­bu Township, Minbu District, Magway Region, according to Deputy Director U Tin Ohn Kyaw. — Dipa Lin/ KZL