Nature lovers and visitors were left deeply saddened by the death of 16 Spotted Deer at the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj. The incident has prompted experts to recommend stricter safety protocols and the formation of a dedicated response team to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Dr Sachin Anil Punekar, conservator and biologist, told mid-day, “The source of the fodder provided to the Spotted Deer in captivity must be thoroughly examined. Technically, the fodder should undergo biological and clinical testing, and be sterilised using modern techniques before being offered to animals. There is a strong possibility the fodder was contaminated. PMC could consider cultivating its own fodder species for regular zoo use, managed under strict safety protocols.”

Punekar suggested that PMC establish a temporary multidisciplinary task force to respond to such bio-disasters. The team, he proposed, should include a biologist, veterinary doctor, microbiologist, molecular biologist, farmer, a forest department official, representatives from environmental bodies, and the Central Zoo Authority.