Date:07/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/07/stories/2007070759070300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Two blackbucks die at zoo

P. Oppili

Preliminary investigations point to tuberculosis as the reason

— Photo: A. Muralitharan

At risk: Blackbucks inside their enclosure at Vandalur zoo on Friday.

CHENNAI: Two blackbucks (an endangered antelope species) at the Vandalur zoo died during the past four days. Zoo authorities said while one died on Monday and the other on Thursday.

Preliminary investigations by the authorities found that the antelopes died of tuberculosis. Both the animals were aged, pointed out the authorities at zoo, where 52 blackbucks are housed, of which 11 are male.

Following the deaths, the authorities started the work to clean the blackbuck enclosure by removing the weeds from there and cleared the garbage within the enclosure.

“Tranquilising and providing treatment to the antelopes is not an easy task. If they are pressured, the animals will immediately collapse and die,” said P. L. Ananthasamy, Chief Conservator of Forests and Zoo Director. The only available method is to provide them drugs continuously, he said.

Apart from the disease attack, the antelopes also die owing to sudden changes in the climatic conditions. A couple of years ago during the first shower after summer one or two blackbucks died, he pointed out.

Authorities were also taking precautionary measures by spraying disinfectant inside the enclosure to keep the flies and other insects away from the place, Mr. Ananthasamy said.

The cleaning and spraying work would continue for some more time, officials said.

Besides. the authorities were planning to provide enriched feed to the antelopes.