Pregnant Sloth Bear Dies of Septic Shock at Vizag Zoo

Visakhapatnam: A 12-year-old female Sloth Bear at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park died on Saturday morning due to septicemic shock caused by a mummified fetus. The animal, which was five months pregnant, was under close veterinary supervision.

According to Zoo Curator G. Mangamma, the bear had stopped eating porridge in recent days but continued to eat fruits, dates and bread. She also showed signs of abortion and vaginal discharge four days before her death. Despite constant monitoring and timely medical intervention, the bear could not be brought back to life.

An autopsy performed by the zoo veterinarian confirmed septicemia resulting from complications associated with the mummified fetus. G. Mangamma reiterated the zoo’s commitment to maintaining high veterinary standards and ensuring close monitoring of the health status of all animal residents.