In the Center of Natural Sciences, Prato, in Italy an unique Roe deer was bred one year before and named as- “UNICORN“. A deer with one horn is a fantasy. Now this fantasy becomes reality told Gilberto Tozzi, director of this institute.

A young deer with a single horn in the center of its head is drawing hundreds of visitors to the nature reserve in Tuscany, Italy.

Although it is first time in captivity, such anomalies among deer may have inspired the myth of the unicorn.

Generally the horn would be on one side rather than being at the center. This is a unique case among deers. The central position of the horn may be due some accident at the early stages of this animal. And also This anomaly may be due to genetic flaw because his twins has two horns.

Unicorn, a horse-like creature with magical powers, has been noticed in stories and legends throughout history, from ancient and modern adventures of Harry Potter. The myth of unicorn is also centered towards other mammals like NARWHAL, a whale with a long, spiralling tusk.

May be in some other day, the horn in the center of the deer may get mutated to form a spiralling tusk at the center of head. Who knows? It’s all science…

Habitat: Distributed throughout India, Ceylon and some parts of Bengal. These birds are generally very sociable. Munias are extremely restless and playful birds, with chirping sound throughout the day.

Length of life in captivity: These birds have lived in the captivity for 3 years. These birds appear to thrive well in captivity.

Housing: Munias are kept in large sized cages. Shell grit provided b the side of the cage. Perches and small pots are provided for the birds to rest.

Food: Mixed grains - 5 gms

Common Illnesses Among Munias

Diarrhea

The bird parried watery motion and on fecal analysis, it was found to contain eggs, capillaria sp. The bird was dewormed. But still diarrhea persists. Then one shot of sulpha drugs stooped the enteritis. Electrolytes mixed with feed/water.

Conjunctivitis

The eyes and the surrounding parts become swollen and discharges noticed from the eyes. The bird was put in a separate cage and the eyes were washed with saline water and eye drops (2 drops) applied over the affected eyes thrice daily for 3 days. Bird was active on 3rd day and took its entire feed.

Heat stress/apoplexy

Sudden death of birds occurred in summer due to heat stress. Hence, gunny bags are tied over the cage and watered in morning and night during summer to reduce heat stress.