Post-Mortem Complications and Lingering Questions
Shivamogga, Karnataka: The hippopotamus, known as Hamsini, is now in a critical state, exhibiting signs of widespread infection impacting multiple organs. This dire development follows an intrauterine foetal death, a condition where the calf dies within the womb. Wildlife veterinarians are observing the situation closely, suspecting that the fetal demise may be the root cause of Hamsini's current infectious state, according to V.M. Amarakshara, the Zoo's Executive Director. The animal, estimated to be around 15 years old, had been pregnant for 265 days, exceeding the typical 250-day gestation period for hippos.
The worsening health of Hamsini, following the loss of her unborn calf, introduces a new layer of complexity and concern to the ongoing aftermath of the tragic incident involving trainee veterinarian Dr. Sameeksha Reddy.
A Shadow of Loss Over the Safari
This critical turn in Hamsini's health arrives just weeks after the fatal attack on Dr. Sameeksha Reddy. The pregnant hippo reportedly caused the death of the trainee veterinarian last month during a medical examination. Safari staff and animal enthusiasts are expressing deep sorrow over these consecutive events. Reports indicate that Hamsini's offspring did not survive the pregnancy, a development that has cast a somber mood over the facility.
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Concerns about animal welfare and the adequacy of safety measures at the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari have been amplified by these incidents.
Previous instances of calf deaths shortly after birth had already raised questions about the animal's reproductive health and stress levels within the safari environment.
The zoo's contract veterinary officer, Murali Manohar, was reportedly relieved of his duties recently, though the specific connection to these events remains unclear.
Contextualizing the Attack
The sequence of tragic events began around late March 2026. Dr. Sameeksha Reddy, a 27-year-old veterinarian, sustained severe abdominal trauma and significant blood loss when Hamsini allegedly charged and lunged at her during a thermal scanning procedure intended to monitor the hippo's body temperature. The incident occurred around 11:30 PM.
Dr. Reddy was rushed to a private hospital in Shivamogga, where she underwent surgery but ultimately succumbed to her injuries the following morning, around 6:30 AM.
Officials stated Dr. Reddy had arrived at the zoo hospital earlier that evening to treat a bird and later entered the hippopotamus enclosure.
Reports suggest that as a trainee, she might not have been authorized to be in such proximity to a large, potentially dangerous animal without direct supervision.
The State Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Eshwar Khandre, called the incident "unfortunate" and ordered a high-level inquiry into the circumstances, including potential safety lapses.
A team comprising senior veterinarians and forest officials was tasked with investigating the attack.
The Karnataka government offered Rs 30 lakh in relief to Dr. Reddy's family, which they reportedly declined. Minister Khandre later mentioned plans for a memorial for the deceased veterinarian.
