Deer, deer! 13 die at Bannerghatta Park soon after leopard deaths

Maqsood Maniyar | NT

Bengaluru: As many as 13 ‘cheetal’ or spotted deer have been found dead at the premises of Bannerghatta National Park located in Bengaluru Urban district.

The news comes close on the heels of the death of seven leopard cubs at the park reportedly due to an infection by the deadly virus, Felina panleukopenia.

Keepers at the facility suspect a variety of reasons for the spotted deer deaths, including an ascarid infection, a common illness caused by worms that lay eggs in the small intestine.

Other causes could be infighting among the animals and heart attacks. The latter is suspected because the deer were recently trans-located in midAugust from St John’s campus in the city, where they didn’t have enough space.

The herbivores are said to be very sensitive and respond to transportation. Park officials said that 37 deer were shifted from St John’s Medical College premises on August 17 by forest department personnel.

Following, this, they were quarantined for 10 days as per protocol. Thereafter, authorities at the facility felt that it was safe to move them to the safari area.

Executive Director of Bannerghatta Biological Park Surya Sen told mediapersons that heart attack was a likely cause since the animals could have found it difficult to adjust to the new environment and may have reacted adversely to transportation.

Will take precautionary measures: Khandre on deer deaths

Minister for Forests and Ecology Eshwar Khandre expressed displeasure at the deaths of 13 deer and seven leopard cubs at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) in Bengaluru Urban district, adding that he would consult with veterinarians and authorities and see to it that precautionary measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Khandre said that he would visit the park on Thursday and take stock of the situation.

“Care is given to wild animals at Chamarajendra Zoo in Mysuru and Bannerghatta National Park. However, I was immensely pained to hear of the deaths of deer and leopard cubs at Bannerghatta Park. In this context, I will consult with authorities and veterinarians in zoos across the state to ensure that precautionary measures are taken,” he said.