Daijiworld Media Network – Shivamogga

Shivamogga, Apr 15: Hamsini, a 12-year-old female hippopotamus at the Tiger and Lion Safari, died on April 14 afternoon, zoo authorities confirmed. The animal had earlier attacked and killed veterinarian apprentice Sameeksha Reddy in March.

Zoo director Amarakshar V M said in a press release that the hippopotamus died at 3.08 pm. Officials suspected that the animal was pregnant, as it had shown signs such as foetal movement, abdominal swelling and behavioural changes. Though the gestation period of around eight months was completed by mid-March, there were no indications of delivery.

In the days leading up to its death, the animal had reduced its food intake and appeared lethargic. On April 10, a team of wildlife veterinarians from the Karnataka Zoo Authority, Mysuru, carried out a detailed health examination.

Blood and fluid samples were collected and sent for laboratory testing, which revealed a severe uterine infection. Veterinarians said the condition may have resulted from intrauterine foetal death, which in turn affected the functioning of vital organs. The prognosis was described as guarded to poor.

Following the diagnosis, wildlife veterinarians, along with a consulting obstetrician-gynaecologist, provided continuous treatment and monitoring. However, despite sustained medical efforts, the animal failed to respond and succumbed.

On March 19, the same hippopotamus had attacked Sameeksha Reddy when she entered the enclosure to record its body temperature using a thermal camera. The Bengaluru native succumbed to her injuries the following day at a private hospital in Shivamogga.