BNP gets vet hospital to check mortality

Jolted by the recent spate of animal deaths in Bannerghatta National Park (BNP), the forest department has decided to construct a modern veterinary hospital and increase the number of doctors in the park.

Forest minister CH Vijayshankar informed this to the legislative assembly on Monday. Replying to a question  raised by Congress MLA Ramalinga Reddy, he explained the measures taken by the department in the wake of the serial animal deaths in the park.

He admitted that in the 14 months between January 2010 and February 2011, a total of 75 animals, including nine tigers, 11 lions and three leopards, died at BNP due to various reasons. Some of the deaths were attributed to old age, while in some cases they were blamed on various diseases like kidney failure, cancer and virus attack.

The 11 lions which died had been rescued from various circus companies and were aged. Three tigers died due to bacterial infection, while one died of pneumonia, he said.

“After the spate of deaths, we have taken several steps for monitoring the health of the animals. For the discharge of animal waste, we have set up separate drainage system and meat is being checked and certified by the doctors before being served to animals. In kitchen, ultra-violet ray fly repellents are being used and nylon mesh and ceiling fans have been installed,” said Vijayshankar.

The animals were being given fresh water bath, potassium permanganate was being used to sterilise water and flame torches were used to keep the cages clean, he said.