Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Hyderabad Zoo Breeds 556 Mouse Deer, Releases 226 Into Wild
Nehru Zoological Park started caring for mouse deer in 2010 with six animals.
Since then, the zoo has bred 556 mouse deer.
It has released 226 into several protected areas and sent 74 to other zoos.
The zoo now has 101 mouse deer, including males and females.
Before release, the animals are vaccinated and checked at special facilities.
The zoo also uses genetic profiling to help maintain variety among the animals.
Officials say they will continue releasing deer at suitable sites and strengthening the zoo’s breeding group.
The effort received a SKOCH award for conservation breeding and returning animals to the wild.
Nehru Zoological Park’s mouse deer conservation programme began in 2010 with two males and four females.
The zoo has bred 556 mouse deer through the programme.
Of those, 226 have been released at wildlife sites, and 74 have gone to other zoos through exchange programmes.
The zoo currently houses 101 mouse deer: 61 males and 40 females.
The programme includes vaccination, health checks, genetic profiling and plans for further releases at suitable sites.
- Who
- Nehru Zoological Park and its mouse deer conservation programme.
- What
- The zoo has bred 556 mouse deer, released 226 into the wild and sent 74 to other zoos.
- When
- The programme began in 2010; the SKOCH award was presented recently.
- Where
- Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad, with releases at several wildlife sites including Amrabad Tiger Reserve and Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Why
- To conserve mouse deer through breeding and reintroduction after habitat destruction and hunting reduced their numbers.
- Programme began
- 2010, with two males and four females
- Bred by the zoo
- 556 mouse deer
- Released into the wild
- 226
- Sent to other zoos
- 74 through exchange programmes
- Currently housed
- 101: 61 males and 40 females
- Conservation recognition
- The zoo received the SKOCH award for conservation breeding and reintroduction.
- Conservation status details
- Mouse deer are included under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and are among 73 endangered species identified by the Central Zoo Authority.