THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A female leopard, which spread fear at Perumthitta in Kannur, has been brought to the city zoo. The leopard has been named ‘Janvi’.
Forest and Wildlife Department had ensnared the animal, following reports of missing domestic animals around Perumthitta UP School. The trap had a dog and a goat as live bait.
Zoo veterinarian Dr Jacob Alexander said that the animal is around three years’ old. It will be kept in quarantine at the Veterinary Hospital inside the zoo for two months, he said. He said that the leopard will be administered vaccinations and treatments over the period as per protocol, before it is released into the exhibit area.
Thrissur zoo could not accommodate the leopard, as it had received four leopards in similar incidences of man-animal conflict. “Thiruvananthapuram zoo does not have space for any more leopards. Rescued leopards have been an issue in zoos across the country, due to man choosing to live closer to forests. Animals escape even from the wildlife reserves as vehicular traffic is increasing,” said Dr Jacob Alexander.
The two male leopards, Ganesh and Ramu, have undergone vasectomy. Janvi will be the seventh leopard at the zoo. Ashwini, Sarangi and Sheena are the other female leopards.