Bengaluru: Bannerghatta Biological Park all set to start leopard safari

The highly anticipated leopard safari at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) is all poised to start, if everything falls into place. If reports are to go by, Forest, Environment, and Ecology Minister Eshwar Khandre recently instructed forest department and zoo management officials to initiate the leopard safari, aligning it with the existing lion and tiger safaris.

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The timeline for the safari's launch will depend on the animals' successful bonding and training, as per the department officials in the know-how. They added, "If all goes well, the safari can be opened to the public in a month and a half. However, if the model code of conduct is implemented, it may open in May or after the code of conduct is lifted."

BBP has designated 20 hectares of land for the safari, implementing a carefully designed enclosure featuring high-rise mesh and strategically placed fences to prevent potential animal escapes. Recognizing the agility and cunning nature of leopards, the enclosure has been meticulously crafted to eliminate escape routes. Currently accommodating around 12 leopards, the area has the capacity for 20, with gradual introductions underway to ensure the animals acclimate and prevent conflicts.
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All leopards slated for display are under one year of age, hand-reared in the zoo after being rescued within their first two months of life. BBP records indicate a total of 70 leopards, 19 tigers, and 19 lions within the zoo.

During a meeting with forest department officials, Minister Khandre stressed the need to hire additional staff, including temporary workers, ensuring timely payment of wages. The officials were also directed to ensure prompt payments to staffers in the special task forces.

Minister Khandre issued a stern warning to miscreants setting fire to forests, urging officials to take strict action against those found guilty. Regarding the joint survey report on forest encroachment, the minister instructed officials to make the report publicly accessible, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all interested parties.