Pilikula Biological Park animal deaths: Samples sent for testing

Mangaluru: Following a spate of animal deaths at Pilikula Biological Park, officials have sent samples from deceased animals to ascertain the cause of their deaths.

Wildlife conservationists have raised concern over their deaths and shared messages on social media.

Pilikula Development Authority in charge commissioner Dr Arun Kumar Shetty said that he has conducted spot inspections. Six animals have died due to various reasons at the Park recently.

Out of the six, five died in the last four days. A Malabar Giant Squirrel died on Friday and four toddy cats passed away in the past three days.

About 10 days ago, a two-day old mouse deer fawn also died.

“I visited the park along with a doctor. The post-mortem of Malabar giant squirrel was performed in my presence. The squirrel was 16-years-old and might have died due to age-related issues. Samples of toddy cats have been sent to Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals(IAH&VB), Bengaluru and Lab for wildlife at Bannerghatta for detailed analysis,” he told DH.

The exact cause of death will be known once the testing report reaches us, he said.

On the death of the fawn, Dr Arun said it might have died due to reasons related to inbreeding. Animals in the park are in captivity and will have the same bloodline. Hence, it might have caused some defect. The biological park has nearly 1,250 animals, birds, and reptiles.