New Delhi, April 1 — Tragedy struck the Delhi Zoo again as a female thamin, a rare and endangered brow-antlered deer, died after sustaining injuries during a fight, zoo officials confirmed on Tuesday. In a separate incident, a blackbuck delivered a stillborn calf.
Initially, zoo authorities had reported the death of both a chinkara and a blackbuck. However, they later clarified the facts. "The female thamin died due to injuries sustained in a fight, while the blackbuck gave birth to an underdeveloped fetus," said Sanjeet Kumar, Director of the Delhi Zoo. He added that the Joint Director has been tasked with submitting a detailed report on the matter.
The autopsy report of the thamin is still awaited.
Earlier, on January 25, a female sangai deer — a close relative of the thamin — died following a fight with a male counterpart. Another nilgai sustained injuries in a similar altercation the same month. Additionally, on January 2, a one-horned rhinoceros named Dharmendra died under mysterious circumstances. And on December 28 last year, a nine-month-old white tiger cub succumbed to traumatic shock and acute pneumonia.
Zoo authorities have yet to release any comprehensive statement regarding preventive measures or investigations into the recurring fatalities.
Initially, zoo authorities had reported the death of both a chinkara and a blackbuck. However, they later clarified the facts. "The female thamin died due to injuries sustained in a fight, while the blackbuck gave birth to an underdeveloped fetus," said Sanjeet Kumar, Director of the Delhi Zoo. He added that the Joint Director has been tasked with submitting a detailed report on the matter.
The autopsy report of the thamin is still awaited.
Spate of Animal Deaths at Delhi Zoo
The thamin's death adds to a string of recent fatalities at the zoo. In February, two animals died of age-related causes — a 15-year-old nilgai on February 13, and a 22-year-old jaguar on February 19, both of which were under medical care.Earlier, on January 25, a female sangai deer — a close relative of the thamin — died following a fight with a male counterpart. Another nilgai sustained injuries in a similar altercation the same month. Additionally, on January 2, a one-horned rhinoceros named Dharmendra died under mysterious circumstances. And on December 28 last year, a nine-month-old white tiger cub succumbed to traumatic shock and acute pneumonia.
Delhi Zoo's Animal Welfare Under Scrutiny
The Delhi Zoo, established in November 1959 and home to 95 species of animals and birds, is recognized as a model zoological park in India. However, the recent series of incidents has raised concerns about animal safety, welfare, and enclosure management within the facility.Zoo authorities have yet to release any comprehensive statement regarding preventive measures or investigations into the recurring fatalities.
