White Tigress Fractures Leg, Cancelling Zoo Transfer Amid Negligence Claims
In a distressing incident at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi, a white tigress scheduled for transfer to Patna Zoo under an animal exchange programme has suffered a leg fracture, officials confirmed. The injury, which occurred on March 2, has led to the cancellation of her relocation, with allegations of negligence surfacing against zoo staff.
Details of the Incident and Official Response
The two-year-old white tigress, named Durga, sustained the fracture while inside her enclosure. According to zoo director Sanveej Kumar, the animal is currently under treatment and being closely monitored by the veterinary team. Kumar firmly denied any allegations of negligence, stating that the incident was unfortunate but not due to staff misconduct.
Instead of Durga, her sibling Devi will now be sent to Patna Zoo as part of the exchange programme. Both Durga and Devi were born in March 2024 to the white tiger pair Sita and Vijai, making them valuable additions to conservation efforts.
Broader Context of Zoo Incidents
This event adds to a series of concerning incidents at the National Zoological Park. In a separate case, a Nilgai died on Tuesday under unclear circumstances, with the cause of death still under investigation. Additionally, the zoo has faced recent criticism from the workers' union following allegations that a jackal, which escaped its enclosure, died of suffocation in a Himalayan black bear den. Staff were accused of using fire and chilli powder to force the jackal out, leading to its death.
These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in animal management and welfare at the facility, raising questions about safety protocols and staff training.
Implications for Animal Exchange Programmes
The cancellation of Durga's transfer underscores the risks associated with animal relocation programmes, which are designed to promote genetic diversity and conservation across zoos. Such exchanges require meticulous planning and care to ensure animal well-being during transport and acclimatization.
Authorities have not provided further details on the exact cause of Durga's fracture or the timeline for her recovery. The focus remains on her medical treatment, with hopes for a full recovery to potentially resume her role in future conservation initiatives.
