All four monitor lizards in Delhi zoo dead due to `shock`

New Delhi: In an unfortunate incident, Delhi Zoo has lost all four of its monitor lizards. 'Shock' is being cited as the reason behind the lizards' deaths.

Officials said that the lizards were in their hibernation period and this is the time when they shouldn't be carried out of their shelter. They are not even fed during their entire hibernation period, which takes place from November to March.

"The lizards were pulled out by a zoo ranger on January 28 without seeking any permission. We have taken disciplinary action against the staff," curator Riyaz Khan said.

As per the postmortem report, the lizards died of shock. Khan said the reptiles died on February 1, 2, 11 and 15.

The zoo now has no more monitor lizards. The curator added that a detailed report was being prepared by the zoo authority regarding the incident and further action would be taken after the Director examined the same.

The zoo had reopened in January after a brief hiatus owing to the bird flu scare last year which claimed the lives of 14 water birds.

(With PTI inputs)