Lab tests have found traces of lead in the grass the zebras at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park graze on.
Bangladesh Agriculture University Pathology Department Professor Dr Md Abu Hadi Noor Ali Khan, a member of the committee responsible for probing the deaths of 11 zebras at the park, revealed the matter during a media call on Tuesday.
“The surrounding area (around the park) is heavily industrialized. Moreover the fumes from battery-run auto rickshaws and fuels as well as the presence of lead caused a chemical reaction,” he said.
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He said that the zebras are infected with pneumonia in a similar manner as humans and their immunity was further compromised by inbreeding.
“There could have been a problem with zebra management as well,” he said.
Saying that the park does not have enough medical resources to help the zebras, he added: “How will one veterinary doctor tackle so many animals? There is no way to look after so many after an infection breaks out.”
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According to Khan, the results of the lab tests have been submitted to the concerned ministry and the rest will be discussed during a meeting of the probe committee with the medical board on February 9.
As many as 11 zebras, 1 tiger and 1 lion died at the safari park between January 2 to February 3. The government on January 26 formed the medical board to look into the matter.
