By News18
In a very rare instance, a blackbuck and deer were spotted taking to the tracks of IIT Madras, giving a glimpse of the institution鈥檚 co-existence with nature. The social media handle of IIT Madras shared the video of the blackbuck entering the running track along with a few deer, playfully running around and chasing each other without any fear. The post also gave credit to Mamata Dash from the IITM Heritage Centre, describing it as 鈥渁 glimpse into the everyday wonders of our green campus.鈥
The video taken from the Manohar C Wasta Stadium inside IIT Madras shows early morning scenes of the racetrack with three deer and a striking white blackbuck, seemingly an albino, sprinting together.
Blackbucks and deers take to track at the @iitmadras Manohar C Wasta Stadium under the morning sun, a daily reminder of the Institute鈥檚 unique coexistence with nature. Nestled next to the Guindy National Park, the IIT Madras campus is not only a hub of academic excellence but鈥 pic.twitter.com/pZWwrZFFua
鈥 IIT Madras (@iitmadras) June 28, 2025
鈥淏lackbucks and deer take to the track at the IIT-Madras Manohar C Wasta Stadium under the morning sun, a daily reminder of the institute鈥檚 unique coexistence with nature. Nestled next to the Guindy National Park, the IIT Madras campus is not only a hub of academic excellence but also a thriving habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Moments like these remind us of the responsibility we share in preserving this rare harmony between progress and the environment,鈥 the institution wrote in its caption.
The short yet enchanting clip has amassed over 70,000 views on X alone, receiving quick reactions from users. While many were surprised by the rare sightings, others praised the institution鈥檚 unique harmony with nature.
One wrote, 鈥淏eautiful to see them running in a track relay race.鈥 Retired Indian Forest Service officer Susanta Nanda also shared the video with the comment, 鈥淏lackbucks practising on the athletics tracks inside side IIT campus of Chennai鈥 One place with one of the most peaceful coexistences of humans and wildlife.鈥
Blackbucks practicing on the athletics tracks in side IIT campus of Chennai鈥ne place with one of the most peaceful co existence of human and wildlife? pic.twitter.com/vSsuwvnIDl
鈥 Susanta Nanda IFS (Retd) (@susantananda3) June 30, 2025
It is worth mentioning that the blackbuck population was selectively lowered in the IIT Madras campus; however, with the administration鈥檚 efforts and measures, the numbers have increased. The campus has also demarcated deer corridors to enable their movement and has covered open wells to ensure that animals do not fall into them.
Such sightings have become quite common on the campus, as the place has been carved out of a natural forest that was a part of the adjoining Guindy National Park, and is no longer considered a part of the forest zone.