The Hindu : National : Zoo killers of Mysore

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004

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National

Zoo killers of Mysore

By R. Krishna Kumar

MYSORE, SEPT. 20. A day after laboratory tests showed that the two elephants at the Mysore Zoo that died on September 4 and 7 were in fact poisoned to death, following the mysterious death in the past of a chimpanzee, an emu and a tiger, this normally placid city is still in a state of shock. "It was the death of innocence," lamented a volunteer at the zoo. Six employees of the zoo have been suspended by the authorities in this coinnection.

Ganesha the tusker was at 30 the cynosure of all eyes, given his majestic gait and impressive pair of tusks. "Rupa was a cherubic cow-elephant with a benign look about her," said a member of the Mysore Zoo Volunteers. Some of the members of the organisation recalled a game of tug-of-rope played with Rupa who had gladly entertained them. Rupa was 18. Both died of acute haemorrhagic enteritis and respiratory distress, possibly caused by poisoning by zinc phosphide. The veterinarians also recorded gastroenteritis and endocartistis in both the animals.

Killing of an elephant is a non-bailable offence punishable under Section 51 of the Wildlife Act and Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code. Zinc phosphide is commonly used to kill rats.

Now the authorities of the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens fear for the life of nearly 1,000 other animals. Laboratory reports of the mysterious death of a lion-tailed macaque are yet to be submitted. But now there is a growing perception that the lion-tailed macaque too must have been a victim of zoo intrigue.

The Director, Manoj Kumar, told The Hindu that he would go after the perpetrators of the crime even if it meant inviting trouble and being transferred.

Some years ago, a tiger was led into the enclosure of a pregnant tigress by an animal keeper. Recently, Meenu, a chimpanzee, died when its limbs were sliced by a sliding metallic door when it was resting its body against the cage and basking in the sun. Veterinarians had to amputate a limb but the animal did not survive the ordeal.

Then it was the turn of an emu; it was found dead a few days later. A metallic instrument had gnashed its neck. An inquiry did not yield any results. Although the then Director, Kumar Pushkar, cracked the whip and transferred a few employees, the mysterious deaths continue.

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