Ending speculations on the nature of death of a female chimpanzee Mirella at Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens here on June 23, tests on viscera and other samples collected from the animal, at different laboratories in the State have ruled out any foul play.





According to the reports by the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL), Veterinary College and Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals (IAH and VB), Bengaluru, the tests on food samples found inside the stomach of the chimpanzee were positive for organo phosphorus compounds (OPC) and negative for presence of any type of poison.



Following the death of the 26-year-old chimpanzee, the zoo authorities had sent the viscera and other samples found in its stomach to the aforementioned laboratories. It was in addition to the post-mortem report, where the doctors at the menagerie had concluded that, “It could be a case of septicaemia and toxemic”.



The doctors, in the report, had also advised to send viscera and samples for further examination. Out of the five samples collected, two were sent to the Veterinary College and IAH and VB.



Based on the further interaction with experts from these institutes, the third sample as well as randomly drawn food articles were sent to the State Forensic Lab (RFSL) for further analysis, according to the outgoing Zoo Executive Director B P Ravi, on Tuesday.



The RFSL has opined that ‘residues of volatile poisons, including cyanide ions, pesticides, barbiturates, benzodiazepine group of drugs, toxic metal ions and anions were not detected in all the above stated articles — food materials, intestinal loops and portion of stomach and its contents and half-eaten apple.



Fruit articles examined were samples of watermelon, pineapple, banana, pomegranate, apple, muskmelon and grapes, vegetables like sample of carrot, tomato, green chilly, lady’s finger, cucumber, cabbage, beans and bamboo shoots (tender).



At Veterinary College, the tests were conducted at the Department of Veterinary Pathology and Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology.



At pathology, histopathology of lung, liver, heart, kidney, spleen and intestines were conducted and diagnosis is given as acute hepatitis and nephritis. The pharmocology report said food materials, the pieces of apple were positive for OPC compounds and intestinal loop negative for all tested toxicants. Stomach content positive for OPC compounds and negative for zinc phosphide and cyanide. Similar results were obtained from IAH and VB.



All the reports were placed before the health committee at the zoo to ascertain the cause of the death. After a detailed discussion, it came to conclusion that the fourth sample be sent to Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) or any national institute for further analysis of qualitative and quantitative tests. Besides, the reports will be referred to experts for their opinion, Ravi added.



