A tragic incident occurred at Ranchi’s Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park on Sunday, where a 54-year-old caretaker, Santosh Kumar Mahto, succumbed to injuries sustained in an attack by a hippopotamus. The incident reportedly took place on Friday when Mahto entered the hippopotamus enclosure, allegedly to relocate a newborn calf. The mother hippopotamus, in a protective instinct, attacked Mahto, causing critical injuries.
According to PTI, quoting a zoo official, Mahto was transported to a private hospital where he unfortunately passed away on Sunday morning. The director of the zoo, Jabbar Singh, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and confirmed that an investigation has been launched.
In light of the tragedy, the zoo authority announced a proposal to the state government for an ex gratia payment of ₹20 lakh to Mahto’s family, recognizing his dedicated service. Furthermore, as per existing norms, a compensation of ₹4 lakh will be provided due to the death resulting from a wild animal attack.
Singh emphasized the zoo authority’s commitment to supporting Mahto’s family, including covering hospital expenses and exploring employment opportunities for a family member. However, following the incident, caretakers at the zoo, including casual and permanent staff, protested against the zoo authority by shutting down its main gate. Approximately 112 caretakers are employed at the zoo, raising concerns about working conditions and safety protocols. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks associated with working with wild animals and underscores the importance of ensuring the safety of zoo staff.
