Zookeeper at Birsa Zoo in Ranchi succumbs to injuries after hippo attack | News from India

The hippo mother attacked Mahto and seriously injured him, the official said.

“Unfortunately, the keeper succumbed to his injuries in a private hospital on Sunday morning,” zoo director Jabbar Singh told PTI.

Singh said an investigation into the incident had been launched.

Asked about compensation to the next of kin of the deceased, he said the zoo authorities would submit a request to the state government for payment of ex-gratia compensation of Rs 20 lakh as Mahto was on duty on Friday.

In addition, the deceased will receive compensation of Rs 400,000 for death due to attack by a wild animal as per the law.

“The zoo administration has covered the hospital costs. We will also try to find a job for a member of his family,” he said.

Meanwhile, zookeepers have closed the main entrance to the zoo in protest against the zoo management.

The zoo employs around 112 animal keepers on a temporary and permanent basis.