SAMBALPUR: A male leopard, which reportedly killed two humans and injured another in Nuapada, was released into the exhibit arena at Sambalpur Zoo on Tuesday.
Visitors can now sight the eight-year-old big cat from the new glass-view facility developed at the zoo this year. The facility is first-of-its-kind in the region which boasts a 20×7 ft viewing area with better visibility and viewing experience.
The animal was brought to the zoo after being rescued from Nuapada in November last year. Last month, the male cat was released in the glass-view facility of zoo’s ‘night house’ which already housed a female leopard.
The big cat’s pairing with the female leopard, which is around six years old, has been permitted by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) on the recommendation of the PCCF (wildlife). For enhancing the chances of pairing, both animals are being kept separately in different chambers of the night house for acquaintance. Depending on their behaviour, they will be released together.
DFO, Wildlife Anshu Pragyan Das said the male and female leopards will be displayed alternatively and not together, until their compatibility is ensured in next two to three months. Both animals will be allowed for public display in different timings until they are suitable to cohabit together.
