Daijiworld Media Network – Belagavi

Belagavi, Nov 16: The alarming spate of blackbuck deaths at the Kittur Chennamma Mini Zoo near Bhutaramanahatti in Belagavi taluk has continued unabated, with one more blackbuck dying on Saturday, taking the overall toll to 29. The episode has triggered concern among officials and wildlife watchers alike. On November 13, the zoo recorded eight deaths, followed by a staggering 20 fatalities in a single day yesterday.

Veterinary officer Dr Chandrashekhar confirmed that comprehensive samples — including kidney, heart, liver and blood — had been collected from the dead blackbucks. “These have been dispatched to the laboratory, and we expect the report by Tuesday,” he said. “Once it arrives, we will submit the findings to Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre.”

Zoo Authority member secretary Sunil told TV9 that there was a suspected throat infection behind the mysterious deaths.

“A team of veterinarians conducted post-mortems this morning, and the zoo has also been inspected,” he said. “So far, no staff negligence has been detected. After the first eight deaths, precautionary measures were already in place. However, if any lapse is found, appropriate action will be taken.”

Meanwhile, questions have emerged over whether forest officials misguided Minister Khandre regarding the cause of the deaths.

While the minister was reportedly informed that contaminated feed may have triggered the fatalities, preliminary information shared with the media pointed instead to a bacterial infection.

Officials have also claimed that samples were sent to the FSL, raising the obvious question: how did they confirm a bacterial infection even before the laboratory report was available?