Third giraffe dies at SoU safari park in six months

Bharuch/Surat: A 15-month-old giraffe died due to diaphragmatic hernia at the Sardar Patel Zoological Jungle Safari Park near the Statue of Unity on Thursday. This is the third giraffe death, of the four brought from South Africa, in last six months.
Earlier, two impalas and one zebra had died at the safari park near the world’s tallest statue in Kevadia, Narmada district. All animals for the park were brought in October last year and the park had opened for public in February this year.
The safari park is developed in 375 acres of forest land and houses over a thousand animals and birds of different species.
The first giraffe had died in November 2019 due to pre-acute mortality syndrome. Later in Januaary this year, another died due to the same syndrome.
It is believed that the weather does not suit to these animals. However, officials of Jungle Safari park are denying the reason for the environment.
Ram Ratan Nala, director of the safari park at Kevadia told TOI: “It is an unfortunate that we lost another giraffe due to diaphragmatic hernia. As this occurs internally, its symptoms are not visible from outside. It happens due to a traumatic event in which diaphragm, a vital organ of the respiratory system is affected.”
“The giraffe’s condition was normal till Wednesday, when observed some abnormalities. Our team put its best efforts but unfortunately could save it,” he added.
When asked if the giraffe had died as the weather condition did not suit it, Nala said, “The giraffe was here since past six months was well acquainted with the weather. So, I don’t believe that weather was an issue.”