Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Karnataka Zoo Blackbuck Deaths Rise to 29 Amid Suspected Bacterial Infection
A zoo in Karnataka, India, is facing a tragedy as 29 blackbucks, a type of deer, have died.
Officials believe a dangerous germ called Hemorrhagic Septicemia, a bacterial disease, caused the sickness.
This disease spreads among plant-eating animals.
The zoo had 8 deaths first, then 20 more, and finally one more, reaching a total of 29.
Some people are upset and think the zoo staff might not have taken good care of the animals or noticed the sickness early enough.
They are worried that if the animals had been checked more often and separated when sick, fewer might have died.
The forest minister has ordered a full investigation to find out exactly what happened and if anyone was careless.
Experts are studying the dead animals and the food they ate to understand the cause and prevent more deaths.
The death toll of blackbucks at Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in Belagavi has risen to 29.
Preliminary post-mortem reports and expert findings indicate the deaths were caused by Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), a bacterial disease.
The deaths of the endangered species have caused outrage among conservationists, with questions raised about early detection and isolation of sick animals.
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered a formal investigation into the incident, looking into both disease and potential staff negligence.
Contradictory initial statements from forest officials regarding the cause (feed issue vs. bacterial infection) have fueled suspicions.
- Who
- 29 Blackbucks
- What
- Died due to Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), a bacterial infection.
- When
- Deaths occurred over several days, including November 13 and a subsequent period, with the toll reaching 29 by Sunday (November 17).
- Where
- Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in Belagavi district, Karnataka.
- Why
- Suspected bacterial infection (Hemorrhagic Septicemia), with ongoing investigations into potential negligence and cause of spread.
Concerns Raised
Official Statements
Cause of Deaths
Concerns Raised
Contradictory statements from forest officials to the minister (feed problem) and the media (bacterial infection) before FSL reports were released have raised suspicions. Experts suggest a bacterial infection, Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), is likely, but question early detection and isolation.
Official Statements
Preliminary post-mortem reports and findings from veterinarians indicate a bacterial disease, specifically Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), as the cause of death for the blackbucks.
Staff Negligence and Response
Concerns Raised
Lack of regular health monitoring and delayed response to initial symptoms are seen as serious lapses, potentially leading to a higher death toll. The death toll could have been lower if infected animals were detected and isolated early.
Official Statements
Zoo Authority of Karnataka stated no staff negligence has been found so far, and precautionary measures were taken after the first eight deaths. However, they acknowledged that action would be taken if any lapse is detected at any stage.
- Location
- Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo, Belagavi district, Karnataka
- Animal
- Blackbucks (Endangered species)
- Total Deaths
- 29
- Timeline of Deaths
- 8 deaths on November 13, 20 more deaths within three days, and 1 additional death on Sunday (November 17, based on context).
- Confirmed Cause
- Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), a bacterial disease
- Investigation Status
- Formal investigation ordered by Forest Minister; forensic and post-mortem reports awaited/analyzed; samples sent to FSL.
- Animal Origin
- Brought from Gadag zoo 4-5 years ago
