A rare Nilgai antelope, an endangered species, has been rescued in the Garinabari area of Panchagarh Sadar Upazila. The animal, found with injuries on its body, received initial treatment and is currently under the care of the Panchagarh Forest Department. Forest officials have stated that the Nilgai will be sent to the Dulahazra Safari Park once it recovers.
Local sources reported that the Nilgai entered Bangladesh from India through the border area of Garinabari Union on Sunday afternoon. It sustained injuries to various parts of its body while crossing the barbed wire fence. Later, residents of Sarkarpাড়া area of the same union spotted the antelope in a cornfield and chased and captured it.
Upon receiving the news, personnel from the Panchagarh Forest Department went to the location, rescued the Nilgai, and brought it to their office.
Local resident Sohel Rana recounted, "At first, people thought it was a deer and chased it to catch it. As it was unwell, it couldn't run properly. Still, it was running here and there. At one point, the locals caught the Nilgai. As it was injured, water was poured on its head."
Haripada Debnath, the acting officer of the Panchagarh Social Forestry Department, stated, "The Nilgai crossed the border from India into Bangladesh. It sustained several injuries on its body after breaking through the barbed wire fence to enter Bangladesh. Later, locals chased and held the antelope. We rescued the Nilgai and brought it to the forest department. Currently, the animal is receiving treatment."
He added that once the Nilgai recovers, it will be sent to the Dulahazra Safari Park.
Nilgais are an endangered species known for their shy nature and fear of humans. The rescued female Nilgai is estimated to be around two to two and a half years old. Approximately a month ago, another Nilgai was rescued from the Joydharbhanga border area of Panchagarh and subsequently sent to the Dulahazra Safari Park.
