BELAGAVI
Twenty-eight blackbucks have died under mysterious circumstances in the Kittur Rani Chennamma zoo, about 14 kms from Belagavi. The zoo had 38 blackbucks of which 28 have died, which has alarmed the authorities.
According to the Assistant Conservator of Forest Nagaraj Balehosur, eight blackbucks died two days ago while 20 died on Saturday.
He said the veterinary doctor at the zoo suspected that they died due to a bacterial infection though actual cause is yet to be ascertained.
"We have sent the viscera sample to the authorities at Bannerghatta Zoological Park in Bengaluru to find out the reason behind the death," Balehosur told reporters.
He added that precautionary measures are being taken on the advice of wildlife health experts of Mysuru. “We are in continuous touch with expert veterinarians to protect the remaining blackbucks. A team of specialist doctors from Mysuru is on the way to Belagavi,” he said.
Expressing concern over the deaths, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered a probe.
“Preliminary reports indicate that these deer died of an infectious disease, and all precautionary measures have been taken to prevent any other animal in the zoo from getting infected,” Minister Khandre said.
An expert committee will be formed to investigate whether these deaths were caused by consuming contaminated water and food or whether the disease was spread by domestic animals such as cats and to take appropriate action.
“It is a matter of concern that animals in the zoo are dying in this way. Such incidents should not recur in the future and that appropriate action should be taken as per the rules in case of negligence on the part of the staff,” he said.
He warned that action will be taken if it is found that they died due to negligence of the zoo staff.
Meanwhile, the mass death of blackbucks—an endangered species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act—has sparked outrage among wildlife conservationists and citizens alike. The incident has intensified calls for a thorough investigation and accountability from zoo authorities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
