Another blackbuck dies at zoo

Vadodara: A fawn of a spotted deer was found stillborn in an enclosure in the Kamatibaug zoo here on Monday morning even as a blackbuck that had been critical after the attack by stray dogs died.
Sources said that the stillborn fawn was spotted inside the enclosure inside the enclosure by the zoo staff when they checked the enclosures on Monday morning as per the daily routine. Senior officials of the zoo were informed regarding the incident and the body of the fawn was disposed as per rules. Zoo officials said that stillbirths were observed in deer much like other mammals.

The blackbuck, meanwhile, died on Sunday during treatment at the zoo’s hospital where it was kept in isolation along with another blackbuck. Both the blackbucks were critical since the attack on their enclosure by stray dogs on Friday.

The attack on Friday had left six blackbucks dead and with the death of the ill blackbuck on Sunday, the number has gone up to seven. It is believed that the blackbucks were chased around the enclosure and bitten by the canines. This led to panic and the blackbucks that are sensitive died due to shock. The condition of the blackbuck that is under treatment is also reported to be critical.