Efforts to save tigers in Lucknow Zoo

LUCKNOW, JULY 13. In view of the recent death of 12 Bengal tigers at the Nandan Kanan Zoo, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department has made all out efforts to save two members of the same species housed at the Lucknow Zoo and to improve their diet to strengthen their defence mechanism.

``Blood tests have been conducted on Rupesh and Rupa, two members of the family of tigers who perished in Nandan Kanan to ensure that they are not infected from the deadly Trypnosomiasis disease caused by insect bite,'' the chief wildlife warden of the State, Mr. R.M. Lakhan Singh said.

Extra precaution is being taken as the Lucknow Zoo has a history of Trypnosomiasis, Mr. Singh said adding that about ten years ago a tiger Tipu had died of a similar disease.

The disease, similar to malaria, is caused by mosquito or fly bite and is deadly as it affects the protozoa in the blood, he said, adding it has taken toll of carnivores kept in captivity.

Mr. Singh, an expert in the field of wildlife, said there was no report of the disease affecting the animals in the wild because they can cure themselves in a natural way.

In captivity, the tigers who otherwise reside in an area of eight to ten square kms are confined to small dens and have no choice of diet or exercise, Mr. Singh said adding that in the forest, tigers eat some grass as well and lick earth meeting their mineral requirements.

In the zoo the diet comprises buffalo meat and its clinical examination every day is difficult, he said. However, after the Nandan Kanan incident, efforts are on to include necessary minerals in their diet, he added.

- PTI

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