Belagavi: The death of 28 endangered blackbucks within three days at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in Belagavi has triggered widespread concern, with authorities awaiting forensic and post-mortem reports to determine the cause.
The blackbucks, protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, died under suspicious circumstances between November 13 and 15. Eight animals died on the first day, followed by another 20 before laboratory results could be confirmed.
A second round of post-mortems on three carcasses is being conducted by veterinary experts from Bengaluru’s Bannerghatta National Park, who are also testing food samples and examining the 10 surviving blackbucks.
Forest officials have offered conflicting explanations, citing feed contamination to the minister while attributing the deaths to bacterial infection in media briefings. The contradictions have fuelled suspicions of negligence.
Preliminary findings point to bacterial infection, raising questions over lapses in health monitoring and delayed isolation of sick animals. Experts said early detection could have reduced the toll significantly.
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered strict precautions and warned of action if staff negligence is confirmed.
The blackbucks, aged between four and six years, were brought from Gadag zoo four to five years ago. Of the 28 that died, 13 were males and the rest females, dealing a major blow to the zoo’s population.
Officials said carcasses were disposed of by burning after samples were collected and sent to Bannerghatta laboratory for detailed examination.
Investigations are continuing into whether the deaths were caused by disease or administrative lapses.
(Inputs from IANS)