Hippopotamus fatally attacks zoo cleaner in Lucknow as safety protocol oversight emerges

At the Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden in Lucknow on Monday morning, a 20-year-old adult hippopotamus named Indira fatally attacked a 45-year-old cleaner, Suraj Dhanuk, during routine cleaning. The unfortunate event occurred at approximately 10:30 am when Dhanuk entered the hippo's enclosure for regular maintenance.

According to zoo director Aditi Sharma, zoo protocol requires animals like hippos to be moved to a separate area during cleaning, usually a locked cell at the back of the enclosure. However, in this instance, it is believed that the cell may not have been properly secured.

Despite the precautions taken, hippos are known for their aggressive nature, surprising speed, and formidable size with sharp teeth. Dhanuk, a contract employee and senior keeper, sustained injuries during the attack and was rushed to the hospital. Despite efforts, he was declared dead on arrival.

The zoo authorities, led by Sharma, expressed their condolences and confirmed that a detailed inquiry into the incident would be conducted. Police are yet to file a case, and the autopsy will precede the handover of the body to the family. In November, the hippopotamus in question had been transferred to the Lucknow Zoo from Allen Forest Zoo in Kanpur.