In a tragic incident at Ranchi's Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, a caretaker succumbed to injuries sustained during an attack by a hippopotamus.
The victim, identified as Santosh Kumar Mahto (54), was fatally injured on Friday while attempting to shift a newborn calf within the hippopotamus enclosure.
The zoo's director, Jabbar Singh, confirmed that Mahto passed away on Sunday morning at a private hospital. Singh added that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack has been initiated.
"Unfortunately, the caretaker succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning at a private hospital here," Singh said.
The mother hippopotamus, reacting defensively, inflicted critical injuries on Mahto during the incident.
In response to inquiries about compensation, Singh stated that the zoo authority would propose to the state government an ex gratia payment of Rs 20 lakh to Mahto's next of kin, given that he was on duty at the time of the attack.
Additionally, Mahto's family is entitled to Rs 4 lakh compensation under existing norms for deaths caused by wild animal attacks.
"The zoo authority took care of the hospital cost. We will also try to get a job for a member of his family," Singh added, highlighting the authority's commitment to supporting the bereaved family.
In the aftermath of the incident, fellow caretakers at the zoo shut down its main gate in protest against the zoo authority, highlighting concerns over safety measures and working conditions.
The zoo employs around 112 caretakers, both casual and permanent.
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