Serial death of animals in the Nandankanan zoo continued since past five days with two more antelopes dying on Thursday.
The deaths occurred when veterinary staff and zoo workers were trying to vaccinate the animals against Bajabajia, Sahana disease.
The panic-stricken animals started running after the workers entered the enclosure and two Nilgais were grievously injured after they hit the wire fence. Both succumbed to their injuries later. They were 10-year old. Even though the zoo authorities were aware about the risks of entering the enclosure, they did it as vaccination was important.
The vaccination programme was initiated after a blue bull, two female antelopes and three deer lost their lives to diseases. The zoo’s population of antelopes has now come down to 24 after the death of the two Nilgais and the blue bull.