Park source alleges that the supplied beef was regularly substandard, but officials chose to turn a blind eye

Substandard food killed animals: Docs

Park source alleges that the supplied beef was regularly substandard, but officials chose to turn a blind eye

Although the postmortem report of three-year-old tigress Divya, who died on Monday, is yet to be released, doctors confirmed that the stale food fed to the tigers was cause of the bacterial infection.

Eight tigers in safari and a lion in rehabilitation center, were responding well to the treatment, said doctors.

Around 1,400 kg beef is supplied for some 150 animals including tigers, lions, and
panthers in the safari every day

Around 1,400 kg beef, and occasionally chicken as an additional food, is supplied for some 150 animals including tigers, lions, and panthers in the safari every day.

A source in the park said the supplied beef was stale and substandard on a regular basis, but officials chose to turn a blind eye.

Even home minister VS Acharya, who briefed the media about the incident on Tuesday, had pointed out the food contamination.

"We have also changed the source of drinking water, because we didn't want to take any more chances," said
Dr Chettiappa, assistant director, veterinary, BBP.
u00a0
"We have taken measures to stop the substandard food supply and avoid repetition of the incident."

Beef scam?

"There is a nexus between the food supplier and park officials," alleged N Nagaraj, president, Nature and Wildlife Conservation Committee, that is demanding stringent action against the officials concerned.

Interestingly, the food supplier has not been changed since the last 10 years, though contractors are selected through an open tender.

A beef dealer from Shivajinagar supplying the food to the park has earmarked Rs 9 crore for beef, while chicken purchase is under a different head.

Chettiappa said that the contract was going to the same person every year because of his price competitiveness.

"While the market price of beef is Rs 120, we pay only Rs 80. If we are really serious about the food, we must pay the market price."

Acharya said, "We have taken note of the possible irregularities and are working on corrective measures. If necessary, we will take action against those responsible."

While Milo Tago, park executive director, was not available for his comments, MN Jayakumar, member secretary of Karnataka Zoo Authority, said, "We have changed water and started a strick quality control.
u00a0
The incident was an eye-opener for us and we will be more vigilant in the future."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels