Leopard escapes after getting stuck in Gorewada safari gate

NAGPUR: A leopard at the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo had a miraculous escape on Sunday evening when it got stuck in the remote-operated safari gate.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident took place around 4.30pm when the bus with tourists was entering the sloth bear safari, which is next to the leopard safari.
“The leopard, nick-named Dolly, was pressed in the automatic gate. It was in a shock and lay on the ground. It is feared to be injured,” said a section of visitors.
Shatanik Bhagwat, zoo director and divisional manager of the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM), confirmed the incident. “The leopard got stuck due to remote failure which triggers the opening and closure of the safari gates. There was also some technical issue with the sensor,” said Bhagwat.
This is the first time that such a glitch has occurred. The bus was entering the sloth bear safari and before it could move out, the leopard that was behind must have tried to enter the gate. However, the gates are automated and don’t close if obstructed, said officials.
Sources said the leopard sneaked into the nearby vegetation. The rescue team consisting of veterinarians tried to track the animal but it was not traced and hence the operation was called off. The operation will continue on Monday morning.
Insiders say the incident is the fallout due to more reliance on BVG staff and ignoring forest officials who have been appointed for the zoo management. The BVG has contracted to supply labourers at the safari to manage the gates and other works but these labourers are not trained in forestry and wildlife management.