28 Blackbucks Die at Karnataka Zoo, Forest Minister Orders Investigation

Belagavi (Karnataka): Twenty-eight blackbucks have died under mysterious circumstances at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Zoo in Belagavi over the past three days, zoo officials confirmed on Saturday. The zoo, which housed 38 blackbucks, has been alarmed by the sudden deaths.

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwara Khandre has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, expressing serious concern over the situation. According to Assistant Conservator of Forest Nagaraj Balhasuri, eight blackbucks died two days ago, followed by 20 more on Saturday.

The zoo’s veterinary doctor suspects a bacterial infection as the cause, though the exact reason for the deaths is yet to be confirmed. “We have sent viscera samples to authorities at Bannerghatta Zoological Park in Bengaluru to determine the cause of death,” Balhasuri told reporters.

The Forest Minister said preliminary reports suggest that the deaths were caused by an infectious disease, and all precautionary measures are being taken to prevent other animals in the zoo from being affected. He also instructed that an expert committee be formed to investigate whether contaminated food or water contributed to the deaths or if domestic animals, such as cats, played a role, and to recommend appropriate action.

“It is a matter of serious concern that animals in the zoo are dying in this manner. Such incidents must not recur, and strict action should be taken according to the rules if negligence by the staff is found,” Khandre said. He further warned that action would be taken against zoo staff if the deaths were a result of negligence.