Emotion-driven decision proved fatal for trainee vet at Karnataka's Tyavarekoppa zoo

Shivamogga: 'Strong emotions' towards 15-year-old pregnant hippopotamus ‘Hamsini’, and the 'impulsive decision' to treat her claimed the life of trainee veterinary officer Sameeksha Reddy, 27, at the Tyavarekoppa zoo near here.

A senior official told DH that Sameeksha went inside the enclosure with the driver in good faith and genuine care for the animal, which had lost her two calves after birth in the past. She checked the hippo's temperature through a thermal imaging camera.

But Hamsini bit the doctor in the stomach with her jaw, when Sameeksha fell off the ladder while returning from the enclosure. 

Recalling the incident, the official said her three friends and night watcher too had gone to the zoo on that fateful day. But Sameeksha and the driver went inside the enclosure with the help of a ladder. He admitted that she should have entered the enclosure with a senior veterinarian or during day time. 

He said Sameeksha examined Hamsini outside the enclosure through her mobile phone and thermal imaging camera on the night of March 18, even though securityman Peter told her that she had not obtained permission from senior officials for it.

The driver, who accompanied her, called the animal keeper on the night of March 19 when she expressed her desire to enter the enclosure. But the animal keeper did not respond to the call. 

Sameeksha reportedly entered the enclosure at night. Hamsini had stopped taking food and her movement was sluggish. 

The officer said that the deputy range forest officer should have accompanied the trainee veterinary officer. But the zoo faces staff shortage. Of the sanctioned three posts, only two deputy range forest officers are serving in the zoo and they discharge their duties during day time. 

Sources in the zoo said veterinary officer Murali Manohar had resigned some months ago. But the zoo authorities had asked him to continue till April as there was no replacement. Meanwhile, two young veterinary graduates Meryn and Sameeksha Reddy from Bengaluru were appointed trainee veterinary officers. 

Besides the police team which will investigate the incident, a team of forest department led by Chief Conservator of Forests Hanumantappa will probe the tragedy. 

According to experts, hippopotamus becomes active at night and something might have riled Hamsini.

(inset) Dr Sameeksha Reddy