Bengaluru: Dr. Sameeksha Reddy was a Bengaluru veterinarian whose work took her from the Mangaluru wildlife circle to a trainee posting at the Tyavarekoppa safari in Shivamogga. She died in March 2026 after a hippopotamus attacked her during a health check. Minister Ramalinga Reddy has now recommended naming the entire hippopotamus section at Bannerghatta Biological Park ‘Sameeksha Block’ in her memory.
In a November 10 statement, the minister said a hippopotamus calf had already been named after the veterinarian. He said he had asked officials to invite her parents to the unveiling and that he planned to attend. His statement gave no date for the ceremony.
Earlier reports say Sameeksha graduated from Veterinary College, Hebbal, in 2023 and assisted the Mangaluru Circle wildlife veterinarian before joining the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari in February 2026. Her appointment at the safari was on contract. Her wildlife work included helping arrange an MRI scan and treatment for a leopard named Bhadra.
On the night of March 19, Sameeksha went to the safari’s veterinary hospital to follow up on a sun conure, a type of parrot. She later went to assess a pregnant hippopotamus with a thermal camera. The animal attacked her, and she died of her injuries on March 20, according to reports at the time. The Karnataka government ordered an inquiry after her death.
Then forest minister Eshwar Khandre told the Karnataka Assembly in March that Sameeksha’s family had declined ₹30 lakh in government relief and suggested using the money in her memory. Khandre also announced plans for a memorial at the Shivamogga zoo.
The proposed Bannerghatta tribute was mentioned during the November 9 opening of development works and visitor facilities worth ₹38 crore. The minister’s November 10 statement set out his recommendation for the entire hippopotamus section and his request to invite Sameeksha’s parents. Read TBL’s report on the new Bannerghatta facilities.
About the Author
