Nine black bucks found dead

Nine black bucks were found dead at Gandhi Animal Park, prompting authorities to order a probe and review conditions in which the animals were being kept at the zoo.

Nine black bucks were found dead at Gandhi Animal Park here today, prompting authorities to order a probe and review conditions in which the animals were being kept at the zoo.

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The black bucks had swollen bellies indicating poisoning -- either due to snake bite or consumption of toxic substances, official sources said.

The carcasses have been taken for an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death, they added.

These were among 12 black bucks brought to the zoo from Kanpur, of whom only three are surviving at present, sources said, adding a three-member committee led by the Conservator of Forests J S Chouhan was formed to investigate the deaths.

Another technical committee, headed by the District Collector, was formed to submit a report on the upkeep of the zoo, they said.