10 blackbucks die in Lucknow zoo
Taking cognizance of the death of 10 blackbucks at Lucknow zoo in the past four days, state zoo minister SP Yadav paid a surprise visit to the animal habitat on Tuesday.
One male blackbuck died on Saturday, while five females of the species died on Sunday and Monday. Four more deaths were reported on Tuesday, taking the toll to 10. The postmortem reports of the animals which died on Saturday and Sunday cited “acute broncho pneumonia” as the cause of death.
The minister warned the zoo officials of action if the probe report will state laxity on their part.
Principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Rupak Dey told TOI that prima facie it appears that some form of pneumonia led to the death of animals. A team of experts from the IVRI Bareilly has collected samples of the dead blackbucks and is expected to submit its report this week.
Dey said a five-member team headed by Dr AK Sharma from IVRI visited Lucknow zoo on Monday. “The cause of death of blackbucks can’t be ascertained now. We have taken samples of blood and organs like lungs, kidney, liver, brain to find the cause of death. The samples will be sent to the laboratories for analysis. The report is expected to be out within a week,” said Dr Sharma.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.