A cheetal at the zoo

Ranchi, March 8: Four animals have died in the Birsa Munda Zoological Gardens last month in the space of 20 days. Though the management of one of the state?s best zoos denies that the deaths were anything but natural, it has ordered a probe. Employees tending the animals are convinced that there is something amiss.

Between February 8 to February 28, a lion, four lion cubs, a sambhar and a cheetal have died in the zoo. Conflicting theories abound on the reasons ? ranging from neglect by the mother lioness to a problem with the grass in the zoo.

The lion, which died last month, had been surrendered to the zoo by the Samrat Circus a few months ago. Chief wildlife warden of the zoo U.R. Biswas said the animal handed over to them was not in very good shape. ?We tried our best to cure him. When he showed a few signs of improvement, we transferred him to the cage. But he continued to limp and died suddenly,? said Biswas.

Two cubs each were born to two lionesses, Sundari and Sita. ?Sundari?s cubs were born dead,? said Biswas. ?Sita neglected one of the cubs which resulted in its death. The other died after some days due to some reason. As far as the deer are concerned, according to the report sent by the zoo management, they died of old age. I don?t think there has been any mismanagement. But I have ordered a probe,? he added. Sources in the zoo, however, had other versions. ?The cubs were not still-born. They were quite healthy for 15 to 20 days after which they suddenly fell ill and died,? they said. According to a zoo official, the deer died after eating the wrong food. ?There could be some problem with the grass. As a safety measure, we have started getting grass from the nearby villages,? he said.

A caretaker in the zoo accused senior officials of callousness. ?The animals suffer because of the careless attitude of the higher officials. There are days when they have to stay without food. The quality of food is also not up to the mark.? Authorities have denied the allegations outright. ?More than 60 daily wage-labourers work round the clock to ensure them food and water. They get food everyday. This is an attempt to malign us,? an official shot back.

The zoo, which is spread over a sprawling 300 acres and houses over 300 animals, does not have a single vet on its staff. ?Every zoo must have its own veterinary. But every time an animal falls ill, a doctor has to be called from Ranchi,? said an official. Zoo authorities have not taken kindly to the caretakers? comments. ?The matter is being looked into. The caretakers should stop blaming and get on with their duty,? was Biswas?s curt reply.