Bhubaneswar: A wild male leopard, which killed two human beings and injured one in Nuapada district last year, has been successfully rehabilitated and put for public display at Sambalpur Zoo today.
The leopard was captured on November 5, 2023. It was then brought from Nuapada to the Rescue Centre in Sambalpur zoo under Hirakud Wildlife Division on November 8, 2023, forest officials said.
The leopard has been allowed for pairing with the existing female leopard at the zoo by the technical committee of Central Zoo Authority (CZA). Later, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Wildlife, Susanta Nanda has sought approval of the CZA to allow it to put it for public display.
On September 9 this year, the male leopard was released in the same night house where the female leopard (about 6 years) was kept in the Sambalpur Zoo, said Anshu Pragyan Das, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Hirakud Wildlife Division.
For now, the male and female leopards will be displayed alternatively until their compatibility is ensured in the next 2-3 months, she said.
For enhancing chances of pairing – both animals are kept separately in different chambers of the same night house for acquaintance. After a few days or months of observation depending on their behaviour, they will be released together, Shrimati Das said.
She further informed that CCTV cameras have been installed in chambers of both leopards as well as in the display enclosure for 24/7 observation of their behaviour.
Both animals will be allowed for public display in different timings until they become suitable to cohabit together. Physical monitoring is being done 24/7 by separate teams, Das stated.
The leopard enclosure at Sambalpur Zoo was expanded during 2023 to 550 Sq mtr for accommodating two or more leopards.
Glass view facility has been developed during 2024 for display of two leopards. 20 feet by 7 feet Glass viewing area has been created for better visibility & viewing experience by visitors, she stated.
Hammocks have been created for leopards & bears in Sambalpur Zoo for comfort to animals as an enrichment.