Bannerghatta tigers are convalescing, but there’s cause for concern still

Two weeks after the big cats at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) were found to be infected with the salmonella bacteria, there is still cause for concern. Minchu, the sibling of four-year-old Divya who succumbed to infection on September 12, is said to be critical.

“Minchu’s condition was improving, but she is still critical. She had earlier refused even medication, but is now at least taking her medicines,” said principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), BK Singh.

The treatment of the 16 tigers has become complicated since all of them have now shown signs of developing immunity to all but one drug, Imipenem, which costs Rs1,800 for each dose. The BBP procures the drug at a subsidised cost of Rs550 each. Three doses are being administered each day to all the ailing tigers.

According to BBP executive director Milo Tago, the infected animals are showing a positive response to the line of treatment. With the exception of Minchu, whose kidneys have been damaged by the infection, the other tigers are showing signs of improvement. Tago said that a dedicated team of 12 doctors has been attending to the sick tigers round the clock.

MN Jayakumar, additional principal chief conservator of forests and member secretary, Zoo Authority of Karnataka, has been visiting the tigers and monitoring the action taken to bring the situation under control. A team of four members from the Central Zoo Authority will be visiting the BBP to look into the
matter.