Blackbuck deaths at Belagavi mini zoo rise to 29; probe widens

Belagavi: The death toll of endangered blackbucks at the Kittur Rani Channamma Mini Zoo in Belagavi rose to 29 on Sunday after another animal succumbed. The cluster of deaths, involving a species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, has raised serious questions about the zoo's readiness and response mechanisms. Eight blackbucks died on Thursday, followed by 20 more on Saturday. Officials said preliminary postmortem findings point to an outbreak of Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), a highly contagious bacterial infection known to spread rapidly among herbivores, including blackbucks and deer. Detailed Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reports are awaited to confirm the cause. Dr Manjunath V, urology and andrology consultant at Bannerghatta National Park, who inspected the zoo on Sund