Another blackbuck dies, toll touches 18

LUCKNOW: Lucknow zoo authorities are yet to control the reasons taking a toll on the lives of blackbucks. On Tuesday, another of the specie died in the zoo taking the total toll to 18.

The female blackbuck was under supervision as it was not keeping well for the past two days. According to zoo authorities, its condition deteriorated on Monday night and it had to be put on oxygen. The animal died at 7.45 am on Tuesday.

Till Saturday, 17 blackbucks had died due to a mysterious ailment.

Zoo minister SP Yadav visited the zoo and warned authorities of action if laxity was found on their part. On the complaints that the animals caught infection through the feed and fodder, Yadav said, the government is now thinking of making another arrangements for the fodder at Kukrail forest.

The minister also said once the animals were healthy, they will be shifted to another zoo so that proper breeding takes place. Blackbucks have grown from four to 44 in Lucknow zoo, said zoo authorities, adding it's time to shift them.

Besides, there is no sign of the report sought by the chief minister on what caused death of blackbucks. The CM had on September 11 ordered probe into the deaths of blackbucks.

A two-member committee was constituted to look into the cause and was asked to submit report within three days.

Blackbuck is protected under the schedule (I) of the Indian Wildlife Act, hence the death of animals is serious matter, CM had said.

While zoo authorities claimed treatment of blackbucks, they are continuing to die. With another death on Tuesday, the number of blackbucks in the zoo has come down to 26.