Bhubaneswar: A total of 223 animals of the Nandankanan Zoological Park in the city have lost their lives in the last three years, a reply from Forest and Environment department in the Assembly revealed Wednesday.
The information was given by Forest and Environment Minister Bijayshree Routray in a written reply to a non-starred question on the deaths of animals at Nandankanan. The issue was raised by Khandapara MLA Anubhav Patnaik in the House.
In his reply, the Minister gave a list of deaths of animals at the zoological park and cited reasons for that. As per the written statement of the minister, in 2015-16, 100 animals died. This included mammals, birds and reptiles. Similarly, in 2016-17, 49 animals died. In 2017-18, 74 animals lost their lives due to several reasons.
As per the list of reasons cited, most animals died due to pneumonia, tuberculosis, infighting and other reasons, while the most common reason for the deaths of birds were hepatitis and haemorrhage.
On the other hand the main reasons for the deaths of reptiles, mostly Gharial, were the presence of blood in the pericardial cavity and inflammation of the inner wall of the abdomen.
The Minister, while speaking about the measures taken by the department to ensure the health of the zoo inmates said, “Modern healthcare facilities have been provided at the zoo. Three veterinary doctors have been entrusted the task of caring for the animals. Steps to ensure the health protocol, vaccine protocol and sanitation protocol are being taken.”
The Minister also said that when needed the Health Committee and Technical Committee comprising veterinary doctors from the Odisha Veterinary College are consulted for assistance.
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