Watch: Leopard Escapes From Pune's Katraj Zoo Enclosure, Spotted On CCTV After Fleeing
During the search, false rumors spread on Monday night saying that the leopard had left the zoo area.
In the early hours of Monday morning, a male leopard named Sachin escaped from its enclosure at Pune¡¯s Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park.
Elusive leopard still missing despite zoo's efforts
Despite the tireless efforts of the zoo staff and the authorities, the elusive leopard is still missing. The Zoo Director reported that the big cat was last seen on a CCTV camera at approximately 5 a.m. on Tuesday. However, despite their best attempts, they have not been able to identify its whereabouts since then.
#Pune: Escaped Leopard Still In Katraj Zoo, PMC Releases Video; Zoo Closed For Visitorshttps://t.co/UKFV35XR8M pic.twitter.com/VEjxvMKuB3
¡ª Punekar News (@punekarnews) March 5, 2024
The Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (WARRC) and the zoo staff are receiving assistance from the Pune Fire Brigade and State Forest Department teams in the ongoing animal rescue operation. To enhance the search efforts, a drone has also been deployed.
Leopard still within zoo premises: PMC official
Vikas Dhakane, Additional Municipal Commissioner of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), affirmed that the leopard is still within the zoo premises. He told Free Press Journal, ¡°The rescue operation is ongoing, with the deployment of top-notch equipment and manpower. However, the animal is continuously changing its location, prompting us to cordon off the zoo perimeter and station staff at all entry points.¡±
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Dhakane emphasised the need for caution during the operation, noting, ¡°The leopard has been in captivity for an extended period, necessitating meticulous safety measures. Around 200 individuals from various agencies are actively involved in the mission.¡±
PMC denies rumours of leopard straying beyond zoo limits
The male leopard was relocated to the WARRC in the zoo three months ago as part of an animal exchange program from Hampi, Karnataka.
Amidst the search efforts, unfounded rumours circulated on Monday night suggesting that the leopard had ventured beyond the zoo boundaries. However, the PMC swiftly debunked these rumours via social media, urging citizens to refrain from spreading misinformation.
Lexica| Representational Image
Their tweet read, "Leopard Out Of Cage At Rajiv Gandhi Zoo, But Not Premises! Citizens are requested to neither believe in any rumor nor spread it further. Senior officials of PMC, Fire Brigade & Forest Department are on the spot & efforts are on to put leopard back into the cage. #ShutTheRumors."
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