Two rare four-horned antelopes, known as chousingha, have died at the National Zoological Park in Delhi within two days, raising alarm among officials and wildlife enthusiasts. The incidents occurred on Thursday and Friday, prompting the zoo to place two other antelopes under strict quarantine and surveillance as a precautionary measure.
Sudden Deaths and Suspected Rabies
A senior zoo official confirmed the sudden nature of the deaths. The primary suspicion currently points towards rabies, a deadly viral disease. This suspicion arose because foam was observed coming from the mouths of the deceased animals, a symptom often associated with the disease.
The official stated that one chousingha died on Thursday, followed by another on Friday. However, they emphasized that a definitive cause can only be established after thorough medical examination. "We are awaiting the postmortem report for confirmation. Only after the postmortem report and laboratory examination can the reason behind the death be ascertained," the official explained.
History of Rabies and Conservation Status
This incident has brought back memories of a tragic past event at the same facility. In 2016, a major rabies outbreak was reported at the Delhi Zoo, which led to the death of more than 30 animals. That outbreak significantly impacted the population of chital, or spotted deer, among other species.
The chousingha is a species of significant conservation importance in India. It is afforded the highest level of protection under the law, being listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (amended), 2022. This legal status highlights its vulnerability and the critical need for its preservation.
A Series of Recent Setbacks
The zoo has faced other recent animal losses, adding to the concern. Just in November, an Indian Rock Python that was undergoing treatment for two days succumbed to its illness. These events put a spotlight on animal healthcare and disease management protocols within the park.
Established and inaugurated in 1959, the Delhi Zoo, officially the National Zoological Park, is a prominent wildlife institution. It houses a diverse collection of over 90 different animal species and is a key center for public education and conservation in the capital.
The current situation underscores the ongoing challenges in managing captive wildlife populations and preventing disease transmission. Authorities are now focused on the pending postmortem results while monitoring the health of the remaining antelopes in quarantine.
