Zebra dies at Bannerghatta Biological Park; minister seeks report

Bengaluru: A young zebra at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) died following an accident, prompting Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre to order a probe into the the "unnatural death".

The BBP on Tuesday said that the three-year-old Plains Zebra, named Kavya, died due to an accident followed by "shock and capture myopathy". Kavya was born on April 4, 2022.

"Preliminary investigation suggests external stress from other male zebras or other wild predator entry into the zoo premises, which is under scrutiny. She was pregnant and was expected to foal in a few months," a statement from BBP executive director AV Surya Sen said.

To a question on precautionary steps taken to protect the animals, Sen said the six female zebras in the park were pregnant.

"We take responsibility always for any unforeseen incident that happens within the park. These accidents can never be predicted. That's our challenge while working with animals. And many times, reasons for these accidents will be very complex, which will be a combination of factors. It's never easy. We try our best in giving safe and comfortable housing to the animals," he added.

Meanwhile, Minister Khandre said he has sought a report on the matter.

"The minister has sought an investigation into the unnatural death. He directed officers to take steps to ensure such incidents do not recur," a statement from his office read.