Punekar suggested that PMC establish a temporary multidisciplinary task force to respond to such bio-disasters. The team, he proposed, should include a biologist, veterinary doctor, microbiologist, molecular biologist, farmer, a forest department official, representatives from environmental bodies, and the Central Zoo Authority
Spotted Deer at the PMC’s Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Nature lovers and visitors were left deeply saddened by the death of 16 Spotted Deer at the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj. The incident has prompted experts to recommend stricter safety protocols and the formation of a dedicated response team to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Dr Sachin Anil Punekar, conservator and biologist, told mid-day, “The source of the fodder provided to the Spotted Deer in captivity must be thoroughly examined. Technically, the fodder should undergo biological and clinical testing, and be sterilised using modern techniques before being offered to animals. There is a strong possibility the fodder was contaminated. PMC could consider cultivating its own fodder species for regular zoo use, managed under strict safety protocols.”
Punekar suggested that PMC establish a temporary multidisciplinary task force to respond to such bio-disasters. The team, he proposed, should include a biologist, veterinary doctor, microbiologist, molecular biologist, farmer, a forest department official, representatives from environmental bodies, and the Central Zoo Authority.
Experts also emphasised the need to create a Microbial Diversity Body within the zoo. Microbial diversity — referring to the range of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, especially in the gut —plays a vital role in the health of zoo animals.
Shubham Pande, a nature enthusiast, said, “This loss is not just a setback for the zoo, but a serious concern for conservationists and wildlife lovers. Nothing can truly replace the lives lost or the ecological void it has created. I urge the administration to act with transparency and accountability and to enforce stronger safeguards for animals under their care.”
Visitor Sagar Kumbhar said, “The herd of deer was one of the main attractions at Katraj Zoo, which is a major tourist spot in Pune. With COVID-19 and other contagious diseases still around, the zoo must take extra care of its animals.”
The deaths occurred between July 6 and July 12, when 16 Spotted Deer, including 14 females and two males, died in what officials described as a ‘shocking’ incident. The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Research Centre currently houses about 98 Spotted Deer (Chital) in an enclosure built in accordance with Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines.
Dr Ghanshyam Pawar, the zoo’s veterinary officer, said, “There are now 83 deer. This is the first time such an incident has occurred, and it affected only the Spotted Deer. Some showed reduced food intake before sudden deaths were reported. We maintain strict hygiene, and a dedicated attendant oversees feeding and cleaning.”
Naval Kishore Ram, PMC commissioner, told mid-day, “We have sent the reports of the deceased deer to several research institutes to determine the exact cause. Samples have been sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (Bhopal), Indian Veterinary Research Institute (Bareilly), Regional Wildlife Research & Training Centre Laboratory (Nagpur), Disease Investigation Section Laboratory (Pune), and the International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease (Bhubaneswar, Odisha).”
Health officials noted that if green fodder is found to be the source of contamination, it is puzzling, as other animals that consumed the same feed were unaffected. The Krantisinh Nana Patil College of Veterinary Science in Shirwal and the Maharashtra Zoo Authority visited the zoo on July 14 and 15. Experts from the Animal Disease Investigation Section in Aundh were also brought in to assist. Post-mortem examinations were conducted, and samples have been sent for comprehensive analysis.
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