Leopards from Junnar Transferred to World's Largest Animal Shelter

10 leopards from Junnar taluka, Pune, relocated to 'Vantara' shelter in Jamnagar, Gujarat to mitigate leopard attacks. The relocation was approved by the Central Zoo Authority, Delhi.

In response to increasing leopard attacks in Junnar taluka of Pune district, 10 leopards have been relocated to 'Vantara' in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Deputy Conservator of Forests Amol Satpute announced. This move, approved by the Central Zoo Authority in June 2024, aims to enhance the region’s safety.

The captured leopards, including four females and six males, were transported from Manikdoh, Junnar, in air-conditioned ambulances. A 25-member team from Gujarat, consisting of a zoo manager, a veterinary officer, and a support crew, oversaw the relocation, ensuring the animals' welfare during the transit.

The leopards were captured over March to May 2024 from high-conflict areas such as Pimpri Pendhar, Kalwadi, and Pimpalwandi in Junnar taluka, where recent attacks had resulted in human fatalities and injuries. This critical step by the forest division is considered vital in mitigating the ongoing human-wildlife conflict. The leopards are scheduled to arrive in Jamnagar by August 1, 2024.