28 blackbucks die in Belagavi zoo; bacterial infection suspected

As many as 28 blackbucks have died since Thursday at the Rani Channamma Zoo at Bhutaramanahatti in Belagavi district. While eight died on Thursday, 20 more succumbed on Saturday.

According to preliminary information, the animals died due to a bacterial infection and samples of internal organs have been sent for tests.

Probe ordered

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre announced that an investigation would be conducted into the incident. The Minister instructed officials to take all precautionary measures to prevent other animals in the zoo from getting infected, said a release.

“A high-level committee will be formed and an investigation will be conducted to ascertain whether the blackbucks died after consuming contaminated water or food, or whether the disease was spread by cats and other domestic animals. The death of animals in the zoo is a matter of concern. If negligence on the part of the staff is noticed, action should be taken against them as per the law,” he said.

38 in all

There were a total of 38 blackbucks at the Rani Channamma Zoo, brought from the Binkadakatti Zoo in Gadag district and other places. They were between 4 and 6 years. The other animals in the zoo, including 10 blackbucks, are doing well.

Assistant Conservator of Forests, Nagaraj Balehosur, said, “Post-mortem examinations of 25 blackbucks out of the 28 have been conducted and their cremation has been completed as per the rules. The bodies of the remaining three have been stored for examination by experts from Bannerghatta zoo,” he said.

He claimed there had been no change in the feeding pattern of the animals.