Joburg Zoo saddened after antelope put down

The antelope had allegedly gone through three checkpoints in Europe, without the necessary clearance certificates.

In a statement, Joburg Zoo said they had entered into an agreement to offer their accredited quarantine facilities on arrival of the antelope into South Africa, from the Czech Republic.

The Schmallenberg Virus, which has been detected in Europe, was one of the diseases which was of concern and The Department of Agriculture and Forestry had attempted to return the antelope, however German airline Lufthanza was allegedly unwilling to transport the animals.

One of the fears was that an excess of 20 million of the livestock population in South Africa would be susceptible to contracting the disease. After considerations, and as a precautionary measure, a decision was taken to humanely euthanise the animals, under the watchful eye of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty towards Animals.

“Due diligence was not followed in the release of the animals in the Czech Republic, and this unfortunately led to The Department of Agriculture and Forestry having to implement the necessary measures,” said Joburg Zoo in the statement.

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