A 27-year-old veterinarian died after being attacked by a hippopotamus at the Tyavarekoppa Zoo. The victim, Dr Sameeksha Reddy, was working on a contract basis with the forest department. She was also undergoing training at the zoo.
The incident happened late Thursday night. Officials said she had gone to the zoo hospital around 10.30 pm to treat a bird. Later, she entered the enclosure of a pregnant hippopotamus to check its temperature using a thermal device.
During this, the animal suddenly attacked her. She suffered serious injuries. She was rushed to a private hospital in Shivamogga. Doctors tried to save her, but she died on Friday morning. State Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre called the incident unfortunate and expressed condolences to the family. He said the government will support them.
The minister has ordered a high-level inquiry. A team of senior veterinarians and forest officials will investigate the incident. They will also check if there were any safety lapses. The report has to be submitted within seven days.
Officials have been asked to follow strict safety rules while handling wild animals in zoos. Steps have also been taken to provide compensation to the family. In a similar incident last month, a leopard attacked a caretaker at Bannerghatta Biological Park, leaving him seriously injured.
