12 spotted deer felled by nature's fury in Tripura

Agartala, May 10 (UNI) Torrents accompanied with thunderstorm claimed the lives of 12 spotted deer in Tripura zoo last month.

After conducting thorough investigation and medical test on the dead bodies, state Forest department officials in a report said here yeaterday that weather change and heavy pre-monsoon showers were responsible for the death of the deer.

The report had also stated that sudden squall hit the Shipahijala wildlife sanctuary-cum-zoo, and since the deer were not inside the shed, they were infected with pneumonia and died within a week.

"We have already sent the sample to Guwahati Veterinary College for further investigation and their advice for future," Wildlife officials said adding the deer suffered from a bout of pneumonia as inadequate sheds and enclosures in the zoo had forced the deer and other animals to remain under the open sky during heavy downpour.

The sanctuary, 25 km south of Agartala, is home to about 1,050 animals belonging to 46 different species.

An estimated 415 spotted deer reside in the zoo, established in 1972.

UNI