Spotted deer found critically injured on Thane's Ghodbunder Road dies before wildlife rescue arrives

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A spotted deer found lying in a semi-conscious and critical condition on Ghodbunder Road near Fountain Hotel late on Sunday night died before it could be rescued, despite efforts by motorists and wildlife officials to arrange emergency assistance.

The incident occurred at around 11.45 pm on August 2, when motorist Uday Mohite, who was travelling towards Mira Road, spotted the deer lying in the middle of the road, around 100 metres before Fountain Hotel. He immediately stopped and contacted a journalist, who gathered details of the incident and contacted Pawan Sharma of the NGO RAWW. Sharma immediately informed the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) authorities and helped arrange an animal ambulance.

Deer dies before ambulance arrives

In the meantime, members of the public attempted to give the deer water as it lay in a semi-conscious state. However, the animal's condition deteriorated, and it died shortly thereafter.

A traffic constable and other police personnel later reached the spot. The deer was moved to the side of the road to prevent further danger. One of its antlers, which had broken off and fallen on the opposite side of the road, was also retrieved.

Carcass handed over to SGNP for further procedures

The animal ambulance reached the location at around 12.40 am. The carcass was subsequently handed over to Dinesh Gupta of SGNP, who took it away at around 1 am for further procedures.

The circumstances that led to the deer being on the busy Ghodbunder Road, as well as the cause of its injuries, are yet to be ascertained.