A 27-year-old veterinarian tragically passed away after a hippopotamus attacked her at the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari in Shivamogga. The incident occurred while she was treating animals in the zoo hospital. The victim, Dr. Sameeksha Reddy from Bengaluru, had recently joined as a veterinary officer at the safari and was in training.
State Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment Eshwar Khandre has termed the incident as ‘unfortunate’ and has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. Dr. Sameeksha was attending to a bird in the zoo hospital before she entered the hippopotamus enclosure to check its body temperature using a thermal camera. Tragically, the hippopotamus attacked her during this routine check, leading to severe injuries.
Following the attack, Dr. Sameeksha was rushed to a private hospital in Shivamogga where she underwent surgery. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries early the next morning. Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwara Khandre expressed his condolences, emphasizing the value of every life and assuring support for the bereaved family.
Khandre has initiated a high-level inquiry into the incident, appointing a team of senior veterinarians and forest officials to probe the circumstances surrounding the attack. The investigation will focus on any safety lapses that may have contributed to the tragic event. The team has been given a deadline of seven days to submit their report.
Authorities have been directed to enforce strict protocols for handling and treating wild animals in all zoos across the state. The minister stressed the importance of staff exercising caution when dealing with wildlife. Additionally, immediate compensation for the victim’s family, as per established norms, has been ordered.
