Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad has bid farewell to one of its most cherished residents, Tsunami Basant, a 20-year-old male giraffe, who died late on Monday night due to complications related to old age. Basant, affectionately named after being born during the 2004 Tsunami calamity at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi, had been a significant presence in the Hyderabad zoo since 2009, where he arrived as part of an animal exchange program.
Zoo officials revealed that Basant had been battling arthritis in his hind legs over the past two years, undergoing continuous treatment under the guidance of Dr. M.A. Hakeem, Deputy Director (Vet) at Nehru Zoological Park. In a statement issued Tuesday, the zoo explained that a post-mortem examination was carried out to confirm the exact cause of death, with the participation of veterinary experts from the Veterinary Biological Research Institute (VBRI), Veterinary College in Rajendranagar, and CCMB LaCONES. Samples collected during the post-mortem have been sent to VBRI for detailed analysis.
In a heartfelt tribute to Basant, zoo curator Dr. Sunil S. Hiremath, along with zoo staff, gathered at the giraffe’s enclosure to offer floral tributes and observe two minutes of silence, honoring the gentle giant who had captured the hearts of both zoo staff and visitors alike. Following Basant’s passing, Nehru Zoological Park now has only one remaining male giraffe, Sunny, who shares the giraffe enclosure.
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Tsunami Basant’s journey from New Delhi to Hyderabad, coupled with his distinctive personality and resilience, will be remembered fondly by all who cared for him during his 15 years at the zoo.
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