2 Chinkaras (Gazelle Deer) were reported dead due to alleged negligence by the Zoo administration of Udaipur.

Both the animals were brought from the nearby Pali district to Udaipur’s Gulab Bagh Zoo on January 10^th, 2012, and within 24 hours, were found dead today morning in their cage. Though the reason of their death is still not clear but according to the veterinary hospital at Chetak Circle, one of the deer was dead last night while other died today in the morning.

Chinkaras (Gazelle) found in abundance in Nagaur district of Rajasthan are given high esteem among mammals by the local communities of the state.

According to sources, while transporting these animals from Paali, one of the Chinkara fractures his leg and this was taken to be the main reason for his death, though the Zoo authorities at Gulab Bagh were not aware of this till post death.

The reason for the death of the second one is also not clear but after inquiring, the hospital authorities said that “mental trauma” was the main cause of death.

Rahul Bhatnagar, Chief Conservator, Wild Life was found to be avoiding any further discussion with the media, “I can’t say anything at this time”, is what he said to reporters.

Gulab Bagh, having the only Zoo in Udaipur, is going through a prolonged phase of derogation and is in a bad conditoin since no necessary measures have been taken to develop this Zoo in Udaipur. Most of the cages are empty and are in extremely pitiable conditions, causing a question of relative care in the community.

report and photos by Sayeed Ahmed