31 blackbucks died of septicemia at Rani Chennamma Zoo: Khandre

Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Monday expressed deep anguish over the death of 31 blackbucks due to Hemorrhagic Septicemia bacterial infection at Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo, while defending the government's handling of the crisis and highlighting the overall declining trend in zoo animal mortality.

- NT Correspondent

Responding to questions during question hour in the Legislative Council, the minister explained that Hemorrhagic Septicemia commonly affects grazing animals and presents unique challenges in detection and treatment.

"There are no visible external signs of infection. Veterinary experts say death occurs within 6 to 24 hours after infection sets in,” Khandre said, adding that the rapid progression of the disease—with death occur-