Bengaluru Leopard Attack: A leopard attacked a 13-year-old boy during a safari at Bengaluru’s Bannerghatta Biological Park on Friday afternoon. The incident took place when the safari vehicle was taking tourists on a tour of the park. According to reports, the vehicle had stopped at a place and suddenly the leopard entered through the window and injured the boy with its claws.
The injured child was immediately taken to a nearby private hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. The injured child has been identified as Suhas, a resident of Bomasandra. He had come on safari to spend his holidays with his parents. The incident has raised questions about the security arrangements of the safari.
Statement from the Park Executive Director
Following the incident, the Executive Director of Bannerghatta National Park issued a statement on social media platform X. He said that a 12-year-old boy was attacked by a leopard during a non-AC bus safari. When the boy was boarding the bus, the leopard pounced and injured his hand. The official said that the boy was immediately given first aid and sent to the hospital for further examination.
Strict instructions given to drivers
The administration said that measures are now being taken to securely cover the windows and camera slots of all non-AC safari vehicles. In addition, bus drivers have been strictly instructed to take special care during the safari and not to indulge in any negligence.
Atmosphere of fear among locals
Bannerghatta Zoological Park is a major tourist destination in Bengaluru and attracts a large number of tourists every day. However, in recent times, several controversies have surfaced regarding this park and the surrounding national park. Incidents of human-wildlife conflict have increased. Leopards and elephants are often seen in the surrounding residential colonies, creating an atmosphere of fear among the locals.
Concerns were expressed over the incident
Environmentalists have also expressed concern over the incident. They say that the rapid urbanization and new infrastructure projects around the park could prove dangerous for wildlife. They believe that this will lead to the loss of forest corridors and further increase conflicts between humans and animals.
