Pune: Leopard Breaks Free from Enclosure at Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Katraj

Katraj, 4th March 2024: A male leopard, part of the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj, has managed to escape from its enclosure in the isolation room. Despite efforts by the park administration to locate the escaped leopard, it has yet to be found, shedding light on concerns regarding the zoo’s management.

The Zoological Park houses 3 female and 1 male leopard, with the latter brought from Hampi, Karnataka, as part of an animal exchange program. The male leopard was initially kept in isolation within the animal orphanage at the museum.

The alarming discovery was made on Monday morning around 9:30 am when staff observed the absence of the leopard from its cage. Employees reported that the bars of the cage appeared to have been bent, suggesting that the leopard might have forced its way out. However, the critical question of whether the leopard is still within the park premises or has successfully escaped remains unanswered at this time. Efforts are underway to locate and secure the leopard, while concerns about the management and security measures at the zoo have been brought to the forefront.

In response to the noticed leopard breakout, the zoological park has been closed to tourists. Multiple teams have been deployed since morning to search for the escaped leopard, but as of late night, the elusive feline has not been located. The Zoological Park, home to over a hundred animals of various species, is situated in a densely populated area, raising concerns about public safety. Despite attempts to seek information from Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Chief Garden Superintendent Ashok Ghorpade, no response has been received.

An initial delay in launching the investigation through the zoo’s CCTV system was reported, attributed to the personnel responsible for monitoring the cameras being on holiday on the same day. The process of scrutinizing over 125 CCTV cameras within the zoological park began later than anticipated. The CCTV footage is now being actively utilized to track the movements of the escaped leopard.

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park director Rajkumar Jadhav provided reassurance, stating that efforts are underway to locate the leopard, which is believed to have escaped its cage around dawn. He expressed confidence in a swift resolution, assuring the public that the leopard will be found soon.