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Rhino Developed Acute Enteritis
Context:
An 11-year-old one-horned rhinoceros named Dharmendra died at the National Zoological Park in Delhi, just four months after arriving from Assam as part of an animal exchange program.
- Dharmendra’s death leaves the Delhi Zoo with only one female rhinoceros, as Dharmendra was brought in to mate with her, with hopes of producing offspring.
Background:
- Dharmendra arrived in Delhi in September 2024 from the Assam Zoo in Guwahati along with a male royal Bengal tiger and a pair of pied hornbills.
- In exchange, Delhi Zoo sent a female tiger, a female rhino, blackbuck, white buck, and a pair of blue and yellow macaws.
- After undergoing mandatory quarantine, Dharmendra was put on public display in October 2024.
Cause of Death:
- A post-mortem revealed the cause as acute haemorrhagic enteritis, a severe intestinal inflammation.
- Possible causes include parasitic infection, toxins, or bacterial infection, likely acquired after the transfer. Further lab investigations are awaited to confirm the exact cause.
Previous Death at Delhi Zoo:
- The death of Dharmendra follows that of a nine-month-old white tiger cub at the zoo, which died due to traumatic shock and acute pneumonia.
- The Delhi Zoo has also recently been criticised for the treatment of its lone African elephant, Shankar, who was kept chained for a significant period, leading to intervention by the Union minister of state.
Implications:
- Inquiry and Accountability: An internal investigation is underway to identify lapses and prevent similar incidents in the future.
- Reputation and Standards: The recent deaths and controversies highlight the need for improved animal care, management, and adherence to international standards at Delhi Zoo.
- Conservation Efforts: Dharmendra’s death is a setback to breeding efforts for the vulnerable one-horned rhinoceros, an important species for conservation.
Animal exchange programs, particularly involving zoos, are vital for promoting ex-situ conservation, genetic diversity, and breeding success of endangered species. One notable example is the exchange program facilitated through the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) of India.
- Purpose: These programs aim to pair animals for breeding, exchange single, unpaired, or surplus animals, and ensure better housing and care. They help develop self-sustaining populations of endangered species.
- Guidelines: The CZA has laid out detailed guidelines for the transfer of animals between zoos, ensuring that the receiving zoo has the necessary facilities and that the animals benefit from the exchange. Single or unpaired animals and animals in non-viable groups are prioritised for these exchanges.
- International Cooperation: India’s National Zoological Park in New Delhi, for instance, participates in international exchange programs to enhance captive breeding, animal health, and research.
