Male giraffe Tsunami Basant dies at Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad

Hyderabad:  Tsunami Basant, a 20-year-old male giraffe, passed away last night at 11:30 p.m. due to complications related to old age at Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad on October 29, 2024.

Born during the 2004 tsunami in the National Zoological Park, New Delhi, Basant was transferred to Nehru Zoological Park in 2009 as part of an animal exchange programme. For the past two years, he had been suffering from arthritis in his hind legs and was receiving treatment from Dr. M.A. Hakeem, Deputy Director (Veterinary) of the zoo.

Following his passing, a post-mortem examination was conducted to determine the exact cause of death, with veterinary experts from VBRI, Veterinary College, Rajendranagar, and CCMB LaCONES involved in the process. All samples have been sent to VBRI for further analysis.

Dr. Sunil S. Hiremath, IFS, Director (FAC) and Curator of Nehru Zoological Park, along with the staff, paid tribute to Tsunami Basant with floral offerings and observed two minutes of silence at his enclosure.

Dr. Hiremath noted that Tsunami Basant was one of the zoo's star attractions, drawing large crowds with his graceful presence. He expressed sorrow over the loss, stating that the zoo had lost a significant member of its collection. The Nehru Zoological Park now houses only one male giraffe named Sunny.