Special Correspondent
Pune – A shocking incident has come to light from the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj, where 14 deer have died within the last four to five days. The sudden deaths have caused concern among wildlife lovers and raised serious questions about the zoo’s health and safety measures.
According to zoo authorities, the park had a total of 98 deer, out of which 14 were found dead over the past few days. The exact cause of death is still unknown, prompting a swift response from veterinary teams and forest department officials, who rushed to the scene for an immediate assessment.
Dr. Rajkumar Jadhav, Veterinary Officer and Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, stated, “The deer population includes both sambar and chital species that live together in the enclosure. At this stage, we suspect a viral infection, sudden weather changes, or contaminated food as potential causes, but nothing has been confirmed yet.”
Samples from the deceased animals have been sent to a laboratory for analysis, and a detailed post-mortem report is expected within two to three days. Dr. Jadhav added, “We can only comment on the exact cause of death after receiving the pathology reports.”
In the meantime, this mass mortality event has sparked outrage and concern among wildlife enthusiasts and animal welfare organizations. Many have questioned the zoo’s animal care and monitoring system, demanding a thorough investigation and strict action against any negligence found.
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is one of Pune’s major tourist attractions and a significant center for wildlife conservation. The death of such a large number of animals in a short span has cast a shadow over the zoo’s management practices and has raised alarms about the health surveillance and preparedness protocols in place.
Authorities have assured that all necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of any potential disease, and a comprehensive investigation is currently underway.
