Why did a jackal die at the Delhi Zoo?

A jackal allegedly died after escaping its enclosure and entering a bear's habitat, with union claims pointing to staff actions leading to its death.

What violations are alleged by the Delhi Zoo workers' union?

The union alleges gross administrative negligence, improper disposal of an animal's body, and failure to conduct a mandatory post-mortem, violating wildlife laws.

What action has the Delhi Zoo taken regarding the escaped jackal incident?

The Delhi Zoo director has ordered a joint director to conduct an inquiry into the allegations of the jackal's death and subsequent events.

Home / Environment / Zoo Negligence Alleged in Jackal's Death

Zoo Negligence Alleged in Jackal's Death

14 Jan

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Summary

Escaped jackal died after being trapped in a bear enclosure.
Union alleges zoo staff used chili powder and fire to extract it.
Death and disposal allegedly occurred without a mandatory post-mortem.

Zoo Negligence Alleged in Jackal's Death

An escaped jackal's death at the Delhi Zoo has sparked accusations of mismanagement from a workers' union. The union alleges the animal, which escaped in November 2025, died in a Himalayan Black Bear's enclosure after staff used chili powder and ignited a fire in its burrow. This incident, allegedly occurring around mid-December 2025, resulted in the jackal's death.

According to the union's letter dated December 12, 2025, the deceased jackal's body was disposed of two days later without a formal post-mortem or veterinary examination. This is claimed to be a direct violation of mandatory protocols for animal deaths, prompting calls for an independent inquiry and preservation of CCTV footage.

Zoo officials stated an internal inquiry has been ordered, though the director claimed no formal report was initially filed. Concerns have been raised about potential violations of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, if the allegations are proven.