(IN): Injured tiger dies in Lucknow zoo, spurs debate

December 6, 2007

Injured tiger dies in Lucknow zoo, spurs debate

Lucknow: A seriously injured Royal Bengal tiger that was rescued by

forest officials in Bahraich district has died here in Lucknow zoo.

The animal's death has triggered a controversy as some believe it died

due to delay in treatment.

The tiger had multiple fractures on its back. Officials said the beast

sustained the injuries after it was hit by a speeding truck. They

tranquillised the tiger to bring it under control.

However, the authorities took more than 36 hours to begin treatment

after it was rescued on Tuesday evening.

It was only on Wednesday that officials decided to shift the injured

tiger to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly,

which has the expertise to treat such big cats.

But strangely enough, when the truck carrying the tiger reached

halfway to Bareilly, officials realised that the institute had no

facility to house the animal.

It was then decided to bring the tiger back to the Lucknow zoo, where

the experts from the institute could come and treat it. But by

Wednesday evening when the convoy finally reached the Lucknow zoo, the

tiger passed away. All through it had remained sedated.

The authorities are keeping mum on whether the tiger died due to the

delay in treatment and sedation or its injuries.

Tiger lovers, angered by the incident, have now raised questions about

the wisdom of the officials transporting the injured tiger to

Bareilly, and half way through bringing it back to Lucknow, losing

precious time in the process.

Chief Conservator (Wildlife) D N S Suman said the officials did their

best to save the animal.

" The entire incident has only exposed the lacklustre attitude of the

officials, who should have been prompt, especially when they deal with

rare and endangered animals such as the tiger, " said one of the

wildlife enthusiasts.

Source: IANS

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