Trainee vet doc dies at Karnataka zoo in a hippo attack

The 27-year-old veterinarian died after a hippopotamus attacked her while providing care at a Karnataka safari.

A tragic incident of the death of a 27-year-old veterinarian has made the headlines. The incident happened in a Karnataka zoo, where the vet doc died after a hippopotamus attacked her while providing care at a safari.

Veterinarian dies after a hippo at a Karnataka safari attacks her.

A trainee veterinarian, 27, who was undergoing training at a wildlife facility in Karnataka, died on Friday after being tragically attacked by a hippopotamus while providing the animal with medical care inside the enclosure. The incident took place at the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari in Shivamogga district, officials aware of the matter said on Friday. The attack by the hippo happened late Thursday night. The victim, Dr Sameeksha Reddy, had joined the safari on a contractual basis about six weeks earlier and was part of the veterinary team, said officials.

What happened with the vet doc at the Karnataka safari?

Safari executive director and Deputy Conservator of Forests, Amaresh, said, “Sameeksha went to the hippopotamus enclosure around 11.45 pm on Thursday to monitor the condition of the pregnant animal using a thermal camera. The animal, which was expected to deliver within a few days, had reportedly not been eating. During the inspection, the doctor fell from the ladder, and the hippopotamus became aggressive and attacked her inside the enclosure.” He added, “The situation escalated within seconds, leaving very little time for reaction.” He further said, “Zoo staff rushed to pull her out and took her to a private hospital in Shivamogga. She sustained severe injuries and lost a significant amount of blood in the attack. She succumbed to her injuries early Friday morning, around 6.30 am.”

Forest Minister EshwaraKhandre ordered an inquiry into the incident by a team comprising senior veterinarians and forest officials. He said, “The team has been directed to identify any lapses and submit a report within seven days,” and added that the officials had been instructed to ensure SOPs are rigorously followed in all zoos. He has even ordered compensation to the family of the deceased doctor as per norms. The victim’s kin, questioning the incident’s circumstances, said, “Initially, we were told she had sustained abdominal injuries. Later, when we contacted the doctors treating her, they said her liver was damaged and that she had undergone surgery. Since she was a trainee, she should not have been sent alone. We don’t understand why she was allowed near such a large and dangerous animal.”