Obesity, lack of exercise, kidney dysfunction reasons behind big cats' death at Delhi zoo: Report
Zee News
Big cats in captivity are very much prone to kidney ailments. Furthermore, lack of enrichment tools and exercise, obesity, and stereotypic behaviour have been observed in big cats in captivity.
New Delhi: Seven big cats have died in around two-and-a-half years at the Delhi zoo which is a participant in the conservation breeding of Asiatic lions and Bengal tigers.
According to records, of the seven big cats, at least four died due to kidney dysfunction.
"Big cats in captivity are very much prone to kidney ailments. Furthermore, lack of enrichment tools and exercise, obesity, and stereotypic behaviour have been observed in big cats in captivity.
"To address this, special emphasis has been given in providing diverse food (adding chevon) and putting enrichment tools in big cats in particular. Routine investigation (blood parameters) helps in checking health. Creatine: albumin ratio in urine has been found effective in early diagnosis of kidney ailments," the zoo's annual report for 2020-21 read.
Delhi Zoo Director Dharamdeo Rai, who took charge on February 21, said the issue needs to be studied in detail.
