New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) At least 12 animals have died in the Delhi Zoo since October last year, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said Monday.

'As per information received from the director, National Zoological Park, New Delhi, 12 animals have died since October 2009,' Ramesh told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a question.

'Out of these, three animals died due to trauma and nine died due to various reasons like toxemia (blood infection), pulmonary oedema (fluid collection in lung) and myocarditis (inflamation of heart muscle),' he added.

The minister also said that to avoid such incidents in the future, intensive veterinary care and regular monitoring of animals is being provided. In addition, the government is taking steps to reduce overcrowding of animals and provide nutritious diets to the animals.