Bear in Indore zoo euthanised

A Himalayan bear was euthanised at Kamla Nehru Zoo in Indore on Saturday, after it was administered a highly concentrated solution of magnesium sulphate. This was probably the first-of-its-kind instance of animal euthanasia as claimed by the zoo officials.

Paralysed and almost immobile, Sonu had been in great pain for the past two-and-half years and was not responding to any treatment. It had developed a large tumor in one of its legs and had difficulty changing sides. The bear’s appetite had also reduced considerably. After this, a permission was sought from the Central Zoo Authority to kill the animal using a provision in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Sonu, 33, had outlived the normal age range, which is 25-30 years. Zoo in-charge Dr Uttam Yadav said keeping the guidelines in view, a post-mortem was conducted and the carcass was buried on the premises.