Nine zebras have died at  Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park in Gazipur in the last 22 days till January 24, said officials on Tuesday.

Project director Md Zahidul Kabir of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park said the zebras die from January 2 to January 24.

The matter was disclosed by the safari park authorities on Monday.

However, a meeting of a specialist team is being held on Tuesday to know the reason behind the deaths of the zebras. The meeting was continuing  till the filling of this report at 2 pm.

“Those might die due to various reasons including food poisoning, virus and infection with bacteria and the actual reason behind the deaths would be known later,” said Zahidul.

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He said they found zebras were being separated from the herd and then breathing problem developed in them before their death.

They also sent the samples of the dead zebras for Covid test which came out negative, he said.

The reports of liver and lung tests of the dead zebras were also in hand but there is no evidence of food poisoning, said Zahidul.

Claiming that there is no lack of security at the park, Zahidul said, “There is no scope for outsiders to enter the park and give poison. Though, we are investigating the incident keeping everything in mind.”

Already three specialists of the Veterinary Faculty of  Mymensingh Agriculture University, former curator of Dhaka Zoo Mohammad Shahidullah and Gazipur District Livestock officials reached there and a board meeting will be held to investigate the matter.