Mysuru: Facing criticism over the animal deaths at Mysuru Zoo, Executive Director of the zoo, Ms Kamala on Sunday claimed that the deaths of six animals in the month of November were all natural.
They died due to senility and medical reasons like trauma, self inflicted injuries, chronic infections and others while the increased frequency was only a mere coincidence, she said.
Zoo authority of Karnataka Chairperson, Ms Mallige Veeresh and KR Constituency MLA Mr M.K. Somshekar visited the zoo on Sunday.
Speaking to mediapersons, Ms Kamala said that there are 1500 animals in Mysuru Zoo. The mortality rate per year is 8 percent and in the past eight years, 60 to 70 animals have died every year.
The birth rate is over 20 percent and more than 125 animals are born every year. There have been 23 to 25 deaths and 45 births at the zoo between June and November this year. Last year during the same period there were 17 deaths and 27 births, she said.
She explained that, female zebra Riddhi died on November 7, due to catarrhal gastro enteritis which led to colic. Gaur Kanaka died due to cardiac failure or post parturient shock on November 24. Medication was administered to induce parturition (child birth). However it delivered the calf partially.
Veterinarians removed the dead calf but the animal was found dead in the enclosure the next day. Post-mortem revealed that it died due to cardiac failure, Ms Kamala said.
She added that nine-year-old Striped Hyaena Naaga which died on November 25, had suffered from progressive neurological disorders for four years. He had suffered a dislocation of the right elbow joint and was also limping which was attributed to thoracic spondylosis. Naaga had survived because of supportive therapy, she said.
The 12.5 year old King Cobra which was rescued from Ujjire on March 12 this year was weak at the time of arrival. It was less active and was reluctant to have food in the last three months. It died due to general weakness and pneumonia on November 22.
The Indian rock python which was rescued from Dharmasthala, died on November 28 due to strangulation and circulatory failure. The Lion tailed Macaque Appu, which was rescued from Sakleshpur range, died on November 28 due to pneumonia, Ms Kamala explained.
