Two more blackbucks died at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Zoo in Belagavi, raising the total number of deaths to 30 within four days. Zoo sources said on Monday that the repeated fatalities have caused deep concern among staff and wildlife authorities.
According to officials, the zoo had 38 blackbucks before the sudden spate of deaths began. With only eight animals now remaining, the population has suffered a drastic decline. Sources stated that eight blackbucks died on Thursday, followed by twenty more on Saturday. The latest two deaths were reported on Monday. Zoo authorities are examining the possible causes of the rapid mortality. Veterinary teams have been conducting tests and monitoring the surviving animals closely. While the specific reason for the deaths has not yet been confirmed, officials indicated that samples have been collected for laboratory analysis and results are awaited.
Staff at the zoo have increased surveillance around the blackbuck enclosure and introduced additional measures to reduce stress among the remaining animals. Keepers have also reviewed feeding routines and water sources as precautionary steps. The sudden collapse in population has shocked wildlife observers, as blackbucks are generally resilient when kept in well maintained enclosures. Experts note that such large scale losses over a short period often point to infection, contamination or an environmental factor affecting the herd.
Senior officials are expected to brief the state’s wildlife department once preliminary findings are available. They have assured that efforts are being made to prevent further deaths and stabilise the condition of the surviving animals. The incident has drawn attention to the need for detailed investigation and swift corrective steps to safeguard the remaining herd and restore confidence in the zoo’s animal care systems.
