Animal death rate 1% in local Zoos Vs.5% globally: DG

The animal death rate at the local zoos has been recorded at one percent compared to the animal deaths at zoos in other countries, National Zoological Gardens Department Director General Shermila Rajapaksha said.

She told the Daily Mirror when inquired about the recent animal death issues raised by several trade unions and activists.

"We have around 3,485 animals in our zoos managed by the National Zoological Gardens, and 38 of them died during the past six months." It is one percent of the total, whereas the animal birth is 2%. "The world's accepted average animal deaths in a zoo stands at 5%," she said.

Our animal deaths were recorded at a lower rate because the National Zoological Gardens has the best veterinary experts, Ms. Rajapaksha said.

Meanwhile, 93 new births were reported, and it was recorded as 2%. Last year, there were 85 breedings done at the local zoos.

There were 31, 40, and 22 births of new mammals, birds, and reptiles reported during the past six months, respectively.

Two Nile hippopotamus, one Arabian oryx, one Lechwe, two Langer hang monkeys, eight spotted deer, eight Sambars, one donkey, six rabbits, and two Japanese deer were reported under the Mammal births category.

Four blue yellow macaws, twelve African love birds, two Amazon parrots, five diamond doves, two lorikeets, twelve red-breasted parakeets and three Budgerigar births were recorded under the bird category. 

Twenty-two Russel viper births were reported under the reptile category. 

Meanwhile, 38 animal deaths were reported, including 18 mammals, 17 birds, and three reptiles during the past six months.

Under the Mammals category, three Zebras, two spotted deer, two Japanese deer, one Arabian Oryx, one Lechwe, one mouse deer, one pigmy hippos, and one Schmitihorn Oryx died. Meanwhile, one orangutan died due to infection of tuberculosis, two wild cats died due to worm infection, and three rabbits died due to acute pneumonia due to heavy rains under the above category.

One jungle fowl, ten budgerigars, three pigeons, two parrots, and one halmahara died under the birds category. 

One green pit viper, one car snake, and one Russell viper had perished in the reptile category. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)