Shivamogga (Karnataka), March 20 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred at the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari when a 27-year-old veterinarian was fatally attacked by a hippopotamus while on duty in the zoo hospital.

State Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Eshwar Khandre, labeled the occurrence as 'tragic' and has initiated a comprehensive investigation.

The victim has been identified as Dr. Sameeksha Reddy, originally from Bengaluru, who had recently joined the safari as a veterinary officer and was in the process of training.

Reports indicate that Dr. Sameeksha entered the zoo hospital around 10:30 p.m. to attend to a Sun Conure, a type of bird. Subsequently, at approximately 11:45 p.m., she entered the hippopotamus enclosure to assess the body temperature of a pregnant hippo with a thermal camera. During this procedure, the animal unexpectedly attacked her, resulting in critical injuries.

She was swiftly transported to a private medical facility in Shivamogga, where she underwent surgical intervention. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries around 6:30 a.m.

Karnataka's Forest Minister, Eshwara Khandre, expressed his condolences and described the event as unfortunate, affirming that every life holds value and promising support for the grieving family.

A high-level inquiry has been mandated by the minister, with a team of senior veterinarians and forest officials tasked with investigating the circumstances of the attack and any potential safety oversights. They are expected to submit their findings within a week.

Additionally, the minister has instructed local authorities to rigorously enforce standard operating procedures for the management and treatment of wild animals in all state zoos, highlighting the necessity for increased vigilance among staff when interacting with wildlife.

Officials have also been asked to ensure that compensation is promptly provided to the victim’s family in accordance with established regulations.

It is noteworthy that on February 13, a caretaker at the Bannerghatta Biological Park was seriously injured by a leopard, illustrating ongoing safety concerns within wildlife facilities.

The Bannerghatta Biological Park, situated on the outskirts of Bengaluru, attracts many visitors. The victim, named Shantappa, was engaged in cleaning tasks within the leopard enclosure when the attack occurred around 8:30 a.m.

Initial investigations suggest that the leopard was fed chicken and mutton the previous night as part of its regular diet. As a precaution, animals are typically relocated to separate enclosures for cleaning purposes. However, despite being moved, the leopard managed to breach a narrow gap and attacked Shantappa during the cleaning operation. He sustained severe injuries to his neck, face, and chest and was rushed to a hospital in Jigani, where he continues to receive treatment.

Previous incidents at the Bannerghatta Biological Park have included leopards attacking tourist buses, causing injuries to a 56-year-old woman from Chennai in November 2025 and a 13-year-old boy in August 2025. These events prompted a temporary suspension of non-AC safaris for safety assessments, reinforcement of enclosure mesh, and stricter adherence to safety protocols to avert future incidents.