File photo of Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari at Shivamogga. | Photo credit: SK Dinesh
The Shivamogga regional unit of the Karnataka Veterinary Association blamed lapses in zoo management for Dr Arun Kumar’s death. Sameeksha Reddy, a practicing veterinarian, died in a hippo attack at Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari in Shivamogga.
At a press conference in Shivamogga on Monday (March 23, 2026), Dr. Kendesh, the association’s district president, said the zoo had a vacancy for a veterinarian who had studied wildlife in post-graduate studies. However, the zoo management employed a veterinarian, who had no postgraduate training in wildlife treatment, on a contract basis. The office then two newly hired apprentices, including Dr. Sameeksha Reddy, submitted to Vet.
“The whole system looks flawed. There is no wildlife vet trained and two trainers were placed under him. Apprentices were being trained on payment of ₹650 per day, with no job security after completing three months of training. In fact, the apprentices were competing with each other to prove their efficiency and dedication as none of them could secure training as only one trainee day off but they are asked to work overtime,” said Dr. Kendesh.
Violation of SOP
According to the zoo’s standard operating procedure (SOP), a veterinarian can only enter a wild animal’s enclosure in the presence of a designated handler and forester. “In this case, Sameeksha Reddy entered the enclosure at night without the presence of any official. The managing director of the zoo and other officials in charge of the institute should take the blame,” he said.
In the absence of wildlife-trained veterinarians, said Dr. Kendesh, zoos hire the services of veterinarians from the animal husbandry department for representation. On many occasions vets have suffered serious injuries and faced difficulties.
Dr. Vinay, also a veterinarian, suffered serious injuries and underwent several surgeries after being attacked by a wild elephant while being captured. “The forest department should take cognizance of the incidents that happened in the past and ensure that they do not recur. Even in the case of Sameeksh Reddy’s death, the department should conduct a proper investigation and punish those people whose negligence led to the death of the young officer,” he demanded.
Published – 23 March 2026 16:56 IST
