Lioness Sirisha attacks keeper at Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: An eight-year-old African lioness named Sirisha reportedly attacked animal keeper Syed Hussain on July 8 (Monday) morning while he was cleaning the enclosure at the Nehru Zoological Park. The incident occurred around 10:30 am.

According to zoo officials, lioness Sirisha, who is suffering from hind limbs Paralysis, was kept under treatment at the Summer House area (special off-display) for treatment. Hussain, an assistant animal keeper, allegedly failed to properly close the door between enclosures while cleaning. The lioness escaped her night enclosure and injured Hussain with her paws before he managed to raise the alarm.

Following standard operating procedures, the zoo staff immediately closed the main gates as the park was closed to visitors on Mondays. Security personnel and the veterinary team, who were already on their rounds for animal health checkups, arrived at the scene within 10 minutes. The veterinary team tranquilized the lioness and returned her to the night enclosure within 20 minutes. Hussain was taken to Osmania General Hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.

An inquiry committee has been appointed by the Zoo Director to investigate the incident. A preliminary report submitted by the Deputy. Range Officer mentioned that the animal keeper Syed Hussain may have been negligent in following safety protocols while closing the enclosure gates. The committee has also highlighted the limitations posed by the reduced staff on Mondays when the zoo is closed to the public.

Further, the Zoo management has decided to call on experts to train the staff for acting during the similar incidents and also to work on how to reduce any such future incidents. Earlier, also similar incidents were reported wherein a few animals had escaped from their respective enclosures and management is working on improving the proper monitoring and functioning to reduce such incidents.