10 deer to roam Monas in July

JAKARTA: Despite critics' concern for the deer's ability to survive life in the noisy capital, the city administration has stuck to its plan to release the gentle animals in the National Monument (Monas) Park in Central Jakarta this year, Governor Sutiyoso said on Wednesday.

Sutiyoso said the first 10 deer, taken from the grounds of the Bogor Presidential Palace, should be seen roaming the park in July or August.

"They (those deer) will be monitored for one year to ensure that they can adapt to their new home," Sutiyoso said.

They will be two males and eight females.

The southern part of the park has been replanted with grass and bushes for the animals' food and shelter, he added.--JP