The summer-related death of a peacock at the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Hospital (BSPCA) in Parel last week follows the death of two spotted deers at the Byculla Zoo a month ago.

Zoo authorities have been receiving flak for the upkeep of the premises. “None of the animals were affected by the heat, as we have been constantly observing them and providing them treatment as well as water. The deer died due to old age,” claimed Anil Anjankar, director, Byculla Zoo. Thirty-three spotted deer are contained in a 1,500 sq mt space. The zoo currently houses 144 animals of 18 varieties, 397 birds and 32 Reptiles.