Home / Environment / Lion Cub Death Sparks Outrage Over Park's Animal Care
Lion Cub Death Sparks Outrage Over Park's Animal Care
8 Jul
Summary
- A lion cub died Tuesday, days after an internal report cited animal care lapses.
- A letter detailed unmonitored pregnancies and delayed medical treatment for animals.
- Park veterinarian reportedly arrived late, leading to accusations of delayed intervention.
A recent lion cub fatality at Nahargarh Biological Park has amplified concerns regarding the facility's animal care protocols. The cub, born to lioness Tara, died on Tuesday morning after exhibiting weakness and an inability to suckle.
An internal forest department communication, dated June 29, highlighted alleged shortcomings in wildlife management. The letter claimed Tara's pregnancy was not properly communicated, affecting her specialized care. It also mentioned a tigress whose pregnancy went unreported, leading to the abandonment and subsequent death of one of her cubs.
Further allegations in the communication detailed unmonitored pregnancies of other animals, delays in treating rescued wildlife, and a significant number of animal deaths over a 50-day period last year. Officials had previously noted the park veterinarian's distant residence, a situation reportedly unchanged.
The forest department stated the cub died from asphyxia due to tracheal collapse and was cremated according to protocol. However, zoo sources allege a significant delay in veterinary response, with the veterinarian reportedly arriving hours after being informed of the cub's deteriorating condition.
