Salmonella kills 3rd Big Cat at Zoo – 16 more Gravely Ill

BANGALORE: Third tiger at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) fell victim to the bacteria salmonella on Tuesday.

The latest casualty, four year old tigress Minchu, was in critical condition since past two weeks. She was under the constant watch of veterinarians. Director of the park, Milo Tago, informed about her death on Tuesday morning.

“The four year old tiger Minchu died this morning due to kidney failure while recovering from the salmonella infection,” said B C Chittiappa, zoo assistant, Bannerghatta Biological Park.

He said on Monday night, the tigress was put on a liquid diet that was imported from Australia. She was doing well when they left her at 8.30 pm. He said when they came to attend to her on Tuesday morning, she breathed her last.

The tigress was cremated at the zoo premises on Tuesday afternoon.

Three tigers have died at the park in the recent days, including Minchu’s elder sister Divya, and an unnamed 45day cub. Fifteen of the remaining 41 tigers have fallen sick and have been kept in isolation to prevent spread of the illness.

‘Panther too may not survive’

Chittiappa added that a 15yearold panther too was critical and might not survive. The panther too is infected with salmonella. He has lost his body weight and has even lost its teeth, he added.

Addressing the press at the 56th Wildlife Week, Forest Minister C H Vijayshankar said they did their best to save Minchu. Reacting to the Central Zoo Authority report, Vijayshankar said along with Bannerghatta, seven other zoos in the state needed urgent attention.

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