The recent deaths of zebras, tigers and lions at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari park in Gazipur were caused by bacterial infection, Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim said Saturday.
He said this during his visit to various projects under the Department of Livestock in Sylhet.
The minister said that the tests after the deaths of the animals in multiple laboratories found that bacteria caused it.
"The foreign animals at the zoo come from a climate and habitat different from that of our country. There are also many diseases and bacterial infections," he said.
Rezaul Karim ruled out the allegations of negligence by zoo officials in this regard. The zebra died of a bacterial infection. In addition, cats including tiger and lions are being infected too.
The government is working to ensure the safety of all animals at the safari park, he added.
Ten zebras died at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Parkin in a month till Saturday. Nine of the earlier population of 22 zebras at the park died between January 2 and 24, according to the park authorities.