Leopards Relocated to Jamnagar Zoo Following Increased Attacks in Pune's Junnar

In response to an increase in leopard attacks in Junnar taluka, Pune district, authorities successfully captured and relocated 10 leopards from the Junnar Forest Division to the Vantara Zoo in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Thursday.

The relocation involved four female and six male leopards, which were transported in three large, air-conditioned ambulances. Two ambulances carried the leopards, while the third was kept in reserve for emergencies. The leopards, who arrived in Manikdoh, Junnar, on Wednesday morning, were accompanied by a zoo manager, a veterinary officer from Gujarat, and a 23-member team.

A 25-member team from Gujarat, including veterinary officers, traveled with the leopards in the ambulances, which were equipped with hydraulic systems for safe loading. Additionally, a breakdown van was on standby to address any potential issues during the lengthy journey from Junnar to Jamnagar.

The leopards were captured from areas experiencing human-leopard conflicts in Pimpri Pendhar, Pimpalwandi, and Kalwadi between March and May 2024. These areas had seen three deaths and two serious injuries due to leopard attacks. The relocation is a significant measure by the Junnar Forest Division to address and manage the ongoing human-leopard conflicts in the region.