10 Zebras’ death: Probe panel visits Gazipur safari park

Zebras graze at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari ParkFile photo

The inquiry committee formed to investigate the death of 10 zebras at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park in Gazipur visited the park on Sunday, reports UNB.

The inquiry committee contacted foreign experts and experienced doctors to prevent such deaths of zebras.

The committee also talked to South African farm owners from where the zebras were imported.

Symptoms of disease and test results have been emailed to them, said a media release.

The members of the medical board held meetings on 25 and 29 January at the Safari Park to provide emergency medical care to zebras to prevent their death.

The safari park authorities have been taking measures as per the 10-point recommendation put forth by the medical board.

The 10 Zebras died within a month till last week at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park.

Nine of the 22 zebras in the park died between 2 and 24 January, park authorities disclosed on Tuesday.

On Saturday noon, the members of the medical board held an emergency meeting in the park.

The members of the medical board are ABM Shahidullah, former curator of National Zoo, professor Rafiqul Alam, and professor Abu Hadi Md Nur Ali Khan from of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, and Hatem Sazzad Md Julkarnine, veterinary doctor of the safari park.

Shafiul Ahad Sardar, director of Central Veterinary Hospital and Golam Ajam Chowdhury, chief scientific officer of Central Disease Investigation Laboratory joined the meeting as experts.

On Wednesday, the environment, forest and climate change ministry formed the five-member inquiry committee to find out the cause of death of 10 zebras at Gazipur safari Park.

The committee was asked to submit the investigation report to the ministry within 10 working days.