One of Monas deer pregnant

JAKARTA: One of the 12 deer now roaming Monas park in Central Jakarta is one-month pregnant, Hadi S. Alikodra, coordinator of the experts in charge of the controversial project, announced on Wednesday.

He said the pregnant deer along with others was taken from the National Intelligence Agency (BIN) park in Kalibata, South Jakarta, when its mating season was almost over.

"It is expected to give birth in April next year after eight or nine months of pregnancy," Alikodra said.

He said the 12 deer released at the park early this month were in good shape and have been able to adapt themselves within the group and to their new habitat.

"They eat grass, drink water from the designated pond, and roam in their designated zone," he added.

The deer project has stirred controversy in the capital due to fears that the deer, being highly sensitive animals, would not be suited to living amid the noise and pollution of Jakarta.

One buck out of the 12 deer -- now living at the 5.2-hectare deer enclave of Monas -- died last week after having been released in the park.

Governor Sutiyoso said Jakartans would see at least eight more deer in addition to the 12 animals in Monas by the end of the year. --JP