Man attacked by lions at BBP recuperating

Srikrishna, the animal-keeper who was mauled by two lions at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) on Monday, is recuperating at the Apollo Hospital and is still under observation.  According to doctors, Srikrishna is under observation for the next 72 hours as he is still susceptible to infections.

 
Dr Venkatesh A N, senior consultant and head of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the hospital, said the patient has received over 40 bites on his body and the injuries are still open and might develop infections.  “Although we have administered necessary antidotes, we have to still wait as infections sometimes develop after 48 hours.  Srikrishna may have to undergo another surgery on Thursday after he responds to the treatment well.  He is otherwise doing fine, in conscious state and talking,” Dr Venkatesh said.

Rehena Bani, chairman of Karnataka Zoo Authority, Vinay Luthra, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and other forest officials visited the spot where the incident occurred and verified if the enclosures were sufficiently equipped. 

Replying to a question that the holding house was not well-equipped, Range Gowda, executive director, BBP, termed the entire incident a ‘pure human error’ and it has nothing to do with the facilities available at the holding houses. “The existing holding houses and other equipment are maintained as per the Central Zoo Authority rules. The mesh and the cages were refurnished last year and these is no chance that the holding house was not equipped,” he added.