Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: A female Thamin deer succumbed to injuries in Delhi zoo, officials said on Tuesday. The anima, also called Eld’s deer, was injured when it got caught between two males fighting in the enclosure on Monday.
The injured animal was taken to the hospital where she died on Monday night. The Eld’s deer, which originates from Southeast Asia, is classified as endangered under the conservation standards of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
On Tuesday, a black buck delivered a stillborn foetus in the same zoo. Officials confirmed that the mother was healthy after the unsuccessful birth. Regarding the deer’s death, authorities said a post-mortem would be conducted. Initial findings pointed to injuries from the conflict.
“The joint director has been asked to submit a report on the death. After post-mortem, the reason behind the death will be ascertained,” a zoo official said.
Delhi zoo, which faces frequent criticism over animal care, has experienced several deaths recently. A female dhole (wild dog) died two weeks ago. The cause remains undetermined. Officials ordered an investigation into this death as well.
Previously, a 15-year-old female leopard, named Babli, died on Feb 26 from age-related issues. Two other animals also died in Feb of similar causes. A nilgai aged 15, which had been receiving treatment, died on Feb 13, and a 22-year-old jaguar under extended care passed away on Feb 19.
On Jan 25, a female Sangai deer died following an altercation with a male deer.
Another nilgai got injured in a fight.
On Jan 2, a one-horned rhinoceros, named Dharmendra, died under unclear circumstances.
Following these losses, the zoo has announced plans to acquire two smooth-coated otters in early April, a species not seen at the facility since 2004.
The otters will arrive from the Surat zoo. The exchange programme includes Delhi zoo receiving 10 star tortoises while sending five Sangai deer, two blue-and-yellow macaw and four green-cheeked conure.
Mayank Rawat
