New Delhi: The National Zoological Park (Delhi Zoo) is mourning the loss of a 15-year-old male gaur, a vital member of their breeding program, who succumbed to age-related complications on Sunday.
This majestic animal, also known as the Indian bison, arrived from Mysore in 2014 and quickly became instrumental in bolstering the zoo’s gaur population. “Over 75% of our current gaur population of 15 animals are his direct offspring,” stated Delhi Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar, highlighting the gaur’s significant contribution to the species’ conservation within the zoo.
In recent days, the animal had been under close observation within its enclosure as its health declined. Tissue samples have been collected and dispatched to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) for further analysis to determine the precise cause of death.
This loss comes just a month after the unfortunate deaths of two Asiatic lion cubs born at the zoo. The surviving cub remains under the care of its mother, Mahagauri, a five-year-old lioness, and is reported to be in good health.
Separately, zoo authorities have addressed concerns circulating on social media regarding the welfare of elephants during the current heatwave.
A video allegedly showing chained elephants sparked public concern. Director Kumar vehemently denied these claims, stating, “No elephant is currently chained. Their enclosures remain open, and they are taken to [specially designed] ponds for bathing.”
He further elaborated on the measures taken to ensure the elephants’ comfort, including concrete sheds, tree shade, earthen mounds, and three daily bathing sessions in both mud and cement pools.
Kumar clarified that a light chain is only used on the male elephant, Heera, as a safety precaution during his pre-musth phase.
The Delhi Zoo, established in 1959, is currently home to 95 species of animals and birds, playing a crucial role in wildlife conservation and education. The zoo received its first lion pair in 1969.
The capital has been experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching dangerous levels. The zoo is taking all possible precautions to ensure the well-being of its animals during this challenging period.
