Mass Blackbuck Deaths at Belagavi Zoo Trigger Urgent Investigation
29 blackbucks die in 3 days at Kittur Rani Chennamma Zoo, Belagavi; probe underway.
In a disturbing incident, 29 blackbucks have died within three days at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Zoo in Belagavi, sparking nationwide concern and prompting an extensive investigation. Zoo authorities confirmed the fatalities on Sunday, calling it one of the most unprecedented losses ever recorded at an Indian zoo. Out of the facility’s 38 blackbucks, nearly three-fourths of the herd perished in the short span between Wednesday and Friday last week.
According to Nagaraj Balhasuri, Assistant Conservator of Forests, multiple tests and inquiries are underway to determine the cause of the sudden deaths. “Water and food samples have been sent to a government laboratory for testing, while viscera samples are being examined at Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru,” he said. Officials suspect a contagious infection might be behind the tragedy but have not ruled out other factors such as contaminated water or tainted feed.
The massive fatalities have drawn immediate attention from the Karnataka government. Forest and Ecology Minister Eshwar Khandre directed a detailed probe and urged zoo authorities to adopt strict containment protocols to prevent the spread of any infection to other animals. He announced the formation of an expert committee to analyze water quality, hygiene practices, and exposure risks from domestic animals near the zoo. The committee will also provide recommendations to prevent similar crises in the future.
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Officials have been instructed to submit a report within days, and the Minister has signaled serious repercussions if negligence is proven. “Strict action will follow if any lapses in care or maintenance are found,” said a senior department official. The tragic event also puts renewed focus on the zoo’s broader management, which had earlier reported the natural deaths of an aged lion and tiger in recent months.
Established as a nature camp in 1989 and upgraded to a mini zoo in 2020, the Kittur Rani Chennamma Zoo currently spans 15 hectares and houses over 200 animals and birds. Proposals to expand the facility into a medium-sized zoo covering 35 hectares are under review by the Central Zoo Authority. Despite recent improvements including new animal enclosures, a reptile park, and a watchtower, officials admit this crisis poses one of the most severe setbacks in the zoo’s history.
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