Third animal death in three weeks at Delhi Zoo as African Baboon Chintu passes away

The National Zoological Park (Delhi Zoo) reported the death of a female African baboon named Chintu on Thursday, marking the third fatality at the zoo in the past three weeks. Chintu, who had shown signs of lethargy and shivering earlier in the day, was transferred to the zoo's veterinary hospital for treatment. Despite medical attention, the baboon died later that day. The exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed, with officials awaiting a report from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly.

Chintu’s death follows the recent fatalities of two other animals at the zoo. On January 2, Dharmendra, a male one-horned rhinoceros, passed away after suffering from acute haemorrhagic enteritis, a life-threatening condition affecting the intestines. Dharmendra had been at the zoo since September 2024 as part of a breeding program. With his death, the zoo now has only one female rhinoceros remaining. Four days prior to Dharmendra’s death, a nine-month-old white tiger cub died, with post-mortem results indicating traumatic shock and acute pneumonia as the causes.

The zoo's officials are awaiting a detailed report from IVRI, which is expected to offer further insight into Chintu's cause of death. In the interim, some zoo officials have suggested that the cold weather may have played a role in the health decline of the affected animals. The cold temperatures have reportedly led to decreased activity levels, with Chintu’s shivering and lethargy potentially being linked to environmental stress. The zoo is monitoring the health of its remaining animals closely, especially with regard to species sensitive to lower temperatures.

Following Chintu’s death, the zoo's population of African baboons has been reduced from four to three. The zoo, which houses over 96 species of animals and birds, has seen a reduction in its stock of key species, including the rhinoceros and tiger cubs. The recent deaths have raised concerns regarding the overall health and management of animal populations, particularly during the colder months when certain species may be more vulnerable.

Established in 1959, the National Zoological Park is one of India’s premier zoological institutions, focusing on wildlife conservation, research, and education. With a diverse collection of species, the zoo plays a significant role in breeding programs and educational initiatives. The recent fatalities have prompted the zoo's management to reevaluate its protocols for animal care, particularly regarding climate control, health monitoring, and veterinary services during adverse weather conditions.