Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Bacterial Infection Kills 31 Blackbucks at Karnataka Zoo
A zoo in Karnataka, India, had a big problem when 31 of its blackbucks, a type of deer, got sick and died in just four days.
The zoo thinks a bacterial infection caused the sickness.
The minister of the forest department is very upset about this and ordered an investigation to find out how the disease started and spread.
They are also trying to stop the sickness from spreading to other zoos.
Now, there are only 7 blackbucks left at the zoo.
31 blackbucks died at Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in Belagavi, Karnataka over four days.
The primary suspected cause of death is a bacterial infection.
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre ordered a high-level investigation into the incident.
The zoo's blackbuck population reduced to seven survivors.
Precautionary measures implemented to prevent disease spread to other zoos.
- Who
- 31 blackbucks, Kittur Rani Chennamma Zoo officials, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, veterinary doctors, experts from Bannerghatta Biological Park.
- What
- Mass death of 31 blackbucks due to a suspected bacterial infection, leading to a high-level government probe.
- When
- Deaths occurred over four days, starting Thursday and reaching 31 by Monday.
- Where
- Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in Belagavi, Karnataka.
- Why
- Suspected bacterial infection.
Government/Zoo Officials
Wildlife Activists (Implied)
Cause of Death and Preparedness
Government/Zoo Officials
The deaths are primarily attributed to a bacterial infection. Precautionary measures are being taken to prevent further spread, and experts are involved in the investigation. The minister likened the outbreak to COVID-19, suggesting such events are unpredictable.
Wildlife Activists (Implied)
Activists could argue that the speed and scale of the deaths suggest a lack of preparedness or a delayed response to early signs of illness, despite official claims of precautionary measures.
Government Response
Government/Zoo Officials
A high-level investigation has been ordered to determine the source and spread of the disease, and to prevent future occurrences. Experts are being consulted, and directions have been given to save the remaining animals.
Wildlife Activists (Implied)
Activists might suggest that the government's response, while ordering a probe, was reactive rather than proactive, and that the investigation should also examine potential lapses in zoo management and hygiene that could have contributed to the outbreak.
- Location
- Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo, Belagavi, Karnataka
- Animal Species
- Blackbuck
- Total Deaths
- 31
- Remaining Animals
- 7
- Timeframe of Deaths
- Four days (starting Thursday, with the last deaths noted on Monday)
- Suspected Cause
- Bacterial infection
- Government Action
- High-level investigation ordered by Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre; experts from Bannerghatta Biological Park involved.
Sources
At Karnataka’s Belagavi zoo, 29 blackbucks die of bacterial infection in four days
29 blackbucks die at Belagavi zoo in five days; probe points to bacterial infection
Karnataka: Another blackbuck dies, pushing death count at mini zoo to 30
K’taka blackbuck death toll rises to 29
31 Blackbucks died in three days in Karnataka's Zoo raising safety concern
Bacterial infection kills 31 blackbucks at zoo in Karnataka, Minister orders probe
Bacterial infection kills 31 blackbucks at Karnataka zoo; probe ordered
