Tragic Incident: Zoo Caretaker Killed by Hippopotamus

Santosh Kumar Mahto, a caretaker at Ranchi's Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, succumbed to injuries inflicted by a hippopotamus while attempting to shift a newborn calf. The zoo director initiated an investigation and proposed compensation for the family. Protests ensued among zoo caregivers demanding better safety measures.

In a tragic incident at Ranchi's Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, a caretaker named Santosh Kumar Mahto succumbed to his injuries following an attack by a hippopotamus, a zoo official confirmed.

Mahto, 54, was attempting to shift a newborn calf within the hippopotamus enclosure on Friday when the mother hippopotamus attacked him, inflicting critical injuries.

“The caretaker succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning at a private hospital,” stated Jabbar Singh, the zoo director. An investigation into the incident has been launched.

Regarding compensation, Singh mentioned that a proposal for Rs 20 lakh in ex gratia to Mahto's next of kin would be sent to the state government. Additionally, Rs 4 lakh will be provided as per norms for death due to a wild animal attack.

“The zoo has covered all hospital costs and will also seek to secure a job for a family member,” Singh added.

In response, around 112 caretakers, both casual and permanent, shut down the zoo's main gate in protest, demanding improved safety measures.