Controversial Leopard Display at Odisha's Sambalpur Zoo

A male leopard, accused of killing two people and injuring a third in 2023, is now on public display at Sambalpur zoo in Odisha following its rehabilitation. The eight-year-old leopard was captured in Nuapada and approved for pairing with a female leopard by the Central Zoo Authority.

A male leopard accused of killing two individuals and injuring another in 2023 is now on public display at Sambalpur zoo in Odisha after undergoing rehabilitation, according to a forest official's statement on Monday.

The eight-year-old leopard was captured in Nuapada on November 5 of last year before being transported to the rescue center in Sambalpur zoo, said Anshu Pragyan Das, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Hirakud Wildlife Division.

On Tuesday, the leopard was placed in a large glass enclosure to enhance visibility and viewing experience for the public. Das noted that the technical committee of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved pairing the leopard with an existing female leopard in the zoo. After a period of observation, depending on their behavior, the pair will be released together. Until they are deemed suitable to cohabit, they will be displayed to the public at different times.

(With inputs from agencies.)