A tragic incident at Tavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Sanctuary has claimed the life of a 27-year-old veterinary officer, raising serious concerns about safety protocols in wildlife care facilities. The deceased, Sameeksha Reddy, a native of Bengaluru, had recently joined the sanctuary.
Fatal attack during late-night duty
According to officials, Sameeksha was on duty late Thursday night when the incident occurred. She had initially gone to the zoo hospital around 10:30 pm to treat a sun conure bird. Later, at approximately 11:45 pm, she was monitoring the body temperature of a pregnant hippopotamus using a thermal camera.
During the procedure, the animal suddenly attacked her, inflicting severe injuries. She was immediately rushed to a hospital in Shivamogga and underwent emergency surgery. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries at around 6:30 am on Friday.
Government response and investigation
Karnataka’s Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family and assured government support. He stated that compensation would be provided as per established norms.
The minister also directed officials to strictly enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) while handling wildlife across zoos in the state. An investigation team comprising senior veterinarians and forest officials has been constituted to examine the incident and submit a detailed report within seven days.
Safety concerns in wildlife handling
The incident has sparked concern among professionals and the public regarding safety measures in high-risk environments such as zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. Handling large animals like hippopotamuses requires stringent protocols, specialised training, and constant vigilance.
Experts note that even routine monitoring can become dangerous without adequate safeguards, especially during late-night operations or when dealing with stressed or pregnant animals.
A life lost in service
Colleagues and officials have remembered Sameeksha as a dedicated young professional committed to animal care. Her untimely death highlights the risks faced by veterinarians working closely with wildlife.
The tragedy has prompted calls for stronger safety systems to ensure that those caring for animals are themselves protected, preventing such incidents in the future.