Odisha family’s unbreakable bond with Sambar deer

Some bonds are stronger than blood relations. It was once again proved to be true at Deodora village under the Komana forest range of Nuapada district. 

To most, Nandu may just be a Sambar deer, but to Debendra Chinda and his family, it was akin to a cherished son. Debendra's eldest daughter, Daalimba, formed a nurturing bond with Nandu, often treating it like an affectionate younger brother. The familial ties were so strong that whenever Nandu wandered into the forest, Daalimba's call would have it racing back immediately.

Nandu's dietary needs were uncomplicated as it devoured anything offered. Daalimba and Nandu shared a profound companionship, symbolised through the Raksha Bandhan festival, where she would tie a rakhi around it. 

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Now that the Forest department has taken Nandu away from them, the void created in their family is resonating deeply in their daily lives. 

Daalimba’s mother Khiramati Chinda said, “We took care of it like our son. Now, its separation is hurting us.”

Nearly ten years ago, a Sambar deer with a bullet injury along with her calf took shelter in the Chinda family’s house. The adult animal, despite the family's efforts and veterinary care, did not recover and died. At the request of the Forest Department, they kept the calf and named it ‘Nandu’. Soon, it became a cherished part of their lives. 

Every meeting has an inevitable parting separation. It happened in their lives too. 

The Wildlife Protection Act prevents private individuals from keeping wild animals as pets. So the Forest Department staff reached their house and took the animal along with them. They will release it in the Chandaka sanctuary. 

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The separation hit the family hard, particularly Daalimba. She is learnt to be spending sleepless nights. Even in the darkest part of the night, the moments of how she was playing with Nandu come in front of her eyes. 

“We had kept the Sambar as a pet. I consider it as my brother. Jiunta and Rakhi were being tied to it. Every time we tried to drive it away, it would return to us. It would stay with us, eat with us and sleep with us,” remembered Daalimba, looking vacantly at the place where the animal would stay most of the time. 

The family is so shocked that they are unable to carry on with daily activities. These actions reflect the deep emotional ties the Chinda family developed with Nandu.

Nevertheless, the Forest Department adhered to the regulations and responsibly transported Nandu to its new home at the Chandaka Sanctuary, ensuring its safety and well-being during the transition.

“When we came to know that a Sambar deer was kept as a pet in Deodara village, the office of the PCC (Wildlife) was informed. Acting on the direction, the domesticated Sambar has been shifted to Godibari in Chandaka sanctuary,” said Aziz Khan, DFO, Khariar.