Deaths of 11 hog deer, one rhino calf, an otter, a jungle cat, and two scops owls have been confirmed by authorities.
In Short:
- Six more wild animals drown in Kaziranga National Park.
- Total animal death toll reaches 17.
- 11 hog deer, a rhino calf, an otter, a jungle cat, and two scops owls confirmed dead.
- Park authorities rescue 72 animals in four days.
- 26 rescued animals are receiving treatment; 29 released into safe areas.
- 80% of the park flooded due to Brahmaputra river overflow.
In Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, the floodwaters claimed the lives of six more wild animals, bringing the total number of animal deaths to 17 as of Thursday, according to park officials. The majority of these deaths were due to drowning.
The park's director reported that 11 hog deer died from drowning, and an additional five succumbed during treatment. Sadly, one otter pup also died due to unrelated causes. Authorities confirmed the loss of a rhino calf, an otter, a jungle cat, and two scops owls as well.
In the past four days, forest officials have managed to rescue 72 wild animals. This includes 63 hog deer, an Indian hare, two otter pups, a rhino calf, two sambar deer, a jungle cat, and a scops owl. Of these, 26 animals are still under treatment, while 29 have been safely released into secure areas.
This year, the Brahmaputra river's overflow has inundated nearly 80% of Kaziranga National Park, forcing many animals to move to higher ground, including areas along the highway adjacent to the park.