A nilgai (file picture)

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 21: The death of an eight-month-old nilgai (blue bull) at Nandankanan Zoological Park has raised questions about the safety of animals in the zoo. With this death, the total number of animal casualties in the zoo during the past five months has gone up to four.

However, zoo authorities denied any negligence. “Though it was a premature death, all the protocols were followed in treatment. A detailed investigation into the cause of death would be done,” said Akshya Kumar Patnaik, divisional forest officer and additional director in-charge of the zoo.

Blue bulls have a life span of nearly 21 years. In 2008, two nilgai died in the zoo. On June 19, a lion died here because of age-related problems. Similarly, on August 23, one Manipuri deer died, which was followed by the death of another Manipuri deer the next day. The two deer died because of travel-related injuries.

Wildlife activist Biswajit Mohanty said the zoo was overcrowded with animals. “The animals need special care. Any small mistake can lead to a death. The zoos hardly serve the purpose of wildlife conservation. They should be closed and conservation should be done naturally in forest,” he said.

On the other hand, Sudarsan Panda, director of the zoological park, said deaths were inevitable for animals.

“Every year, there are 50 to 55 cases of animal deaths. But, as compared to other zoos the mortality rate is less here. We have a mortality percentage of 3.2 only,” he said, adding the treatment facilities adopted were of the best quality and the birth rate had also increased significantly over the years.

The employees who look after the animals in the enclosures also said they were being taken care of well.

“Unlike human beings, animals cannot express their feelings. But, we always ensure that the animals are treated well and all the facilities are provided to them,” said an employee of the park. At present, the zoo has 1,760 animals belonging to 120 species.