Jamshedpur: Leopard’s death at Tata zoo could have been prevented, says DFO

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Sep 1: Recent death of a male leopard in Tata zoo was caused by recklessness of the zoo officials and it could have been prevented through proper care. A report of a probe committee has revealed this, said Divisional Forest Officer of Jamshedpur Mamata Priyadarshi on Thursday.

The DFO said action may be taken against the officials concerned on the basis of this report. She said several suggestions have also been given to the zoo authorities regarding upkeep of animals.

The DFO said a ghariyal (alligator) had died in the zoo in 2018 and tigers also died later. But no lesson was taken from these deaths and it resulted in the leopard’s death, she said.

The leopard was found dead in the zoo during recent flash floods. Flood water had entered its enclosure. The male leopard was accompanied by its female partner who managed to climb a tree. But the male leopard could not find a safer place and finally drowned in the water, said the DFO.

The DFO said the zoo management did not follow the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority during the flood situation.