Tokyo Inukashira Park Zoo has launched an investigation after 31 of its 40 squirrels died in what appeared to be unintentional poisoning. About the unfortunate incident is told with the help of ChatGPT.
The cute little animals underwent anti-parasite treatment on December 4 to maintain their health and prevent infections. In addition, insecticides were sprayed on their nesting boxes as part of sanitary precautions. But what was supposed to be a routine health procedure led to the deaths of most of the squirrels. The first, a common Japanese squirrel, died shortly after the antiparasitic injection, and the number of dead squirrels continued to rise in the days that followed, standing at more than two-thirds of the zoo's total squirrel population as of Monday morning.
The zoo's management is conducting a thorough investigation into the tragic incident and admits it may have been poisoning caused by the drugs. In a statement released Monday, the zoo expressed deep regret over the killing of the squirrels, assuring the public that a thorough examination of the dead animals was underway. "We are currently investigating the cause of death and monitoring the condition of the surviving individuals," the statement said. In addition, it was noted that immediate measures were taken to ensure the safety of the remaining squirrels, and the place was thoroughly cleaned and inspected for any possible risks.
The zoo emphasized that the drugs used during treatment were given in adequate doses, and had been used similarly in the past without side effects. However, the incident raises questions about the procedures in place and, in general, regarding medical treatment for captive animals.
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us