Leopards from Junnar, Pune Relocated to World’s Largest Animal Shelter in Jamnagar
Due to the problem of leopard attacks in Junnar taluka, Pune, 10 leopards have been relocated to Jamnagar, Gujarat. The leopards, including 4 females and 6 males, were moved from Manikdoh in Junnar to ‘Vantara’ in Jamnagar, which is the world’s largest animal shelter and rehabilitation centre.
The Central Zoo Authority, Delhi, approved the relocation in June 2024. The leopards were transported in three large air-conditioned ambulances, with one ambulance on standby for emergencies. A team of 25 people from Gujarat, including a zoo manager, veterinary officer, and management team, accompanied the ambulances.
The leopards were captured between March and May 2024 from areas in Junnar taluka, including Pimpri Pendhar, Kalwadi, and Pimpalwandi, where there were 3 human deaths and 2 serious injuries due to leopard attacks. This relocation is an important step taken by the Junnar forest division to address the rising man-animal conflicts in the area. The leopards are expected to reach Jamnagar by August 1, 2024.
Doubts Revealed
Leopards -: Leopards are big wild cats with spots on their fur. They live in forests and sometimes come near villages.
Junnar -: Junnar is a place in Pune, which is a city in the state of Maharashtra, India.
Jamnagar -: Jamnagar is a city in the state of Gujarat, India.
Manikdoh -: Manikdoh is a place in Junnar where the leopards were living before being moved.
Vantara -: ‘Vantara’ is the name of the world’s largest animal shelter, located in Jamnagar.
Central Zoo Authority -: The Central Zoo Authority is a government organization in India that looks after zoos and animal shelters.
Air-conditioned ambulances -: These are special vehicles with cool air to keep the leopards comfortable during their journey.
Man-animal conflicts -: This means problems that happen when wild animals and humans come too close to each other, sometimes causing harm.
