Zebra, tiger die of bacterial infection: Livestock minister

Zebras at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park in Sreepur, Gazipur
Prothom Alo file photo

Fisheries and Livestock minister SM Rezaul Karim on Saturday said that the recent deaths of zebras, tigers and lions at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari park in Gazipur were caused by bacterial infection, reports UNB.

He said this during his visit to various projects under the department of livestock in Sylhet. The minister said that the tests after the deaths of the animals in multiple laboratories found that bacteria caused it.

He ruled out negligence by zoo officials. The zebra died of a bacterial infection. In addition, cats including tiger and lions are being infected too.

The government is working to ensure the safety of all animals at the safari park, he added.

Ten zebras have died at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park in a month as of Saturday. Nine of the earlier population of 22 zebras at the park died between 2 and 24 January, according to the park authorities.