A series of blackbuck deaths at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Zoo in Belagavi has triggered a large-scale investigation, after 29 antelopes died over three days last week. Zoo officials confirmed that the facility housed 38 blackbucks, making the loss one of the most severe recorded in any Indian zoo. Senior forest officials said multiple investigations are now in progress.
Assistant Conservator of Forests Nagaraj Balhasuri said samples of water and fodder have been sent to a government laboratory, while viscera samples were dispatched to experts at Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru to determine the cause. Officials noted that no zoo in the country has witnessed such a high number of deaths within such a short span.
Forest and Ecology Minister Eshwar Khandre has directed a detailed probe and instructed the zoo to take strict biosecurity measures until test results arrive. Preliminary findings suggest a possible contagious infection. An expert committee will examine all factors, including contaminated water, feed, and potential disease transmission from nearby domestic animals. The minister has warned of strict action if negligence is found.
The incident has raised serious questions about management at the mini zoo, which recently reported the natural deaths of an aged tiger and lion. The zoo, spread over 15 hectares, is in the process of upgrading to a medium-sized facility and houses 205 animals and birds. Expansion plans include a larger tiger safari and the introduction of new species such as giraffes, hippos, zebras, wild dogs, bison, ostriches, and more. The zoo, originally a nature camp in 1989 and later upgraded in 2020, also gained attention as the first in India to be developed under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Under Range Forest Officer Pavan Kuraning, several improvements, including a reptile park, crocodile park, 3D gallery, and watchtower, have been added. However, officials admit that the sudden loss of almost the entire blackbuck population is among the most serious challenges faced so far.
Amid the crisis, wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni has urged the state government to appoint a full-time executive director for the zoo. In letters to the chief minister and forest minister, he pointed out that all major zoos in Karnataka have dedicated DCF-rank EDs, ensuring better care and oversight. Belagavi remains the only zoo without such leadership despite increasing responsibilities, expansion proposals, and rising visitor engagement.
Meanwhile, the death toll rose to 30 after two more blackbucks died, one on Saturday night and another on Sunday evening. Officials suspect a bacterial infection behind the deaths. A team of veterinary experts from Bengaluru, including specialists from the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals and the Zoo Authority of Karnataka, visited the zoo. The forest minister has ordered a detailed probe into the mass casualties.
