(IN): Deer death triggers ‘negligence' uproar

August 4, 2009

Deer death triggers ‘negligence' uproar Ajit Nayak, TNN 3 August 2009,

11:21pm IST

SAMBALPUR: Sambalpur Deer Park authorities have come under scanner after

untimely death of a four-horned female antelope and two of her offsprings on

Friday. While deer park authorities cited pneumonia as the cause of death,

animal lovers here alleged " sheer negligence " on part of officials deployed

in the park.

The deer park was started in 1996 and it subsequently got status of a

mini-zoo. Zoo Authority of India recently recognized it as a class-two zoo

allowing further expansion of the park. Several rare species of wild animals

are housed in the park, sources said.

" Death of animals is a regular phenomenon here because of faulty management

policies. We have been instructed not to open our mouths in case any animal

dies inside the park, " an employee of the deer park said. " We were also

given the same instruction this time, " he added.

Bargarh territorial DFO is in charge of Hirakud wildlife division because

the post has been lying vacant since May 2008. " I am looking after the

Hirakud DFO since last May. It is a difficult task because I have to manage

both areas, " DFO S K Satpatthy said.

Confirming the deaths a female antelope and her two offsprings, Satpathy

said these animals often suffer from viral fever during monsoon. " We have

vaccinated all animals in the park to prevent them from the fever. But this

animal caught fever and refused to take food while we were trying to

administer medicines to her through food. She finally died when the fever

turned to pneumonia, " Satpathy said. " We have keeping watch on other animals

and trying to ensure no other animals die in a similar way, " he added.

However, wildlife lovers do not consider this death as 'normal'. " We know it

is difficult to treat these animals. So normally, medicines are given though

food or through water. Officials in charge of the park should take extra

care while treating affected animals. But that is only possible if the

official has a genuine passion and interest towards wildlife, " wildlife

expert Suresh Chandra Mishra said. " A proper autopsy should be conducted to

ensure the cause of the death of these animals, " he added.

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