The authorities at Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari near here have planned to shift 18 leopards to other zoos.
M.C. Cheluvaraj, Deputy Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), told The Hindu that six leopards each will be sent to Kamala Nehru Zoological Garden, Ahmedabad, Bannerghatta Biological Park and the Chamundi Animal Conservation, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre near Mysuru. After this, the total number of leopards in Tyavarekoppa will come down to 10.
The availability of proper food, space and medical care in Tyavarekoppa makes it a conducive place for captive breeding of leopards. In addition to this, leopards that strayed into human habitats and fields in Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Davangere, and Chitradurga districts that were trapped by the Forest Department were also rehabilitated in Tyavarekoppa. Many leopard cubs separated from their mothers in the forest were also accommodated here.
Mr. Cheluvaraj said at present, Tyavarekoppa has two separate enclosures for leopards in which 12 animals can be accommodated. As the enclosures are overcrowded, the keepers find it difficult to feed the animals and space constraint had resulted in fight between the animals, he said.
A proposal has been submitted to the Zoo Authority of Karnataka on shifting them. The shifting process will commence after seeking necessary approval from authorities, he said.
The authorities at Tyavarekoppa have already prepared a tentative list of leopards that will be shifted. Those in good health that can get accustomed to the new environment will be moved. Minchulli, the five-year-old black leopard, has not figure in this list. Mr. Cheluvaraj said that the black leopard is a special attraction for visitors and it will be retained here.