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