African baboon dies in Delhi zoo, third animal death in as many weeks

Delhi Zoo baboon named "Chintu" dies after being shifted to veterinary hospital, cause of death pending investigation.

A female African baboon has died at the Delhi Zoo, the third animal fatality at the facility in as many weeks, officials said.

The National Zoological Park, commonly known as Delhi Zoo, reported that the baboon named "Chintu", which appeared lethargic earlier in the day on Thursday, was shifted to the veterinary hospital after it started shivering.

An official said the animal died later in the day.

"The cause of death is not yet confirmed. We are awaiting the report from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly," said zoo director Sanjeet Kumar.

Recently, a white tiger cub and a one-horned rhinoceros at the zoo have died.

A senior zoo official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the cold weather may have been a factor in the deaths. "The baboon's activity level had dropped and shivering indicated that it was unwell," the official said.

The zoo had four baboons. With the death of "Chintu" only three are left now.