Agartala, Dec 11 (TIWN): Pradip- the only rhino of Sepahijala wildlife sanctuary died around 11 pm, last night. As a result, no rhino is available at present in the Sepahijala wildlife sanctuary. The 24-year-old healthy male rhino never fell ill, source said.

According to a source, the zoo keepers found pool of blood on Pradip’s nose and rectum around 7 pm, last evening. Later, a blood test was conducted and test report preliminary revealed that the rhino might have died have died of anthrax, source said.

Anthrax is an acute disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus Anthracis. Anthrax commonly infects wild and domesticated herbivorous mammals that ingest or inhale the spores while grazing.

As per the expert’s opinion, concerned authorities tried to save the rhino by giving preliminary treatment. Unfortunately, the rhino breathed its last around 11 pm, last night, source confirmed.  

The mortal remains of Pradip will be cremated in the Sepahijala wildlife sanctuary premises by following the Guidelines for Disposing Carcass of Animals in Zoos of Central Zoo Authority, source said.