Mass Blackbuck Deaths at Belagavi Zoo Linked to Bacterial Infection

Belagavi (Karnataka): A bacterial infection is suspected to be the cause of the mass death of blackbucks at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Zoo in Belagavi, where 31 animals have died in the last four days. The deaths have drastically reduced the zoo’s blackbuck population to just seven.

According to zoo officials, eight blackbucks died on Thursday, followed by 20 more deaths on Saturday. Three additional animals died over the past two days, prompting serious concern and immediate intervention.

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre visited Belagavi on Monday and held a meeting with zoo authorities. Speaking to reporters afterwards, he said he was “deeply pained” by the incident and confirmed that a high-level investigation has been ordered to determine the source and spread of the infection.

“Prima facie, it is found that these blackbucks died due to a bacterial infection. Our officers and veterinary doctors are giving treatment to the remaining animals,” Khandre said. He added that all precautionary measures have been taken to ensure the disease does not spread to other zoos in the state.

The minister said experts from Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru have been deployed to assist the investigation. “I have ordered a high-level probe to find out how this disease spread among the blackbucks. Our officials are in touch with experts in this field,” he said.

Khandre also directed the zoo authorities to ensure the remaining blackbucks are protected and stressed that such incidents must not occur in the future.