Leopard Attack During Bengaluru Safari Injures 13-Year-Old, Raises Alarm Over Park Safety Measures

National news: During a routine safari at Bengaluru’s Bannerghatta Biological Park, panic struck when a leopard suddenly pounced on a 13-year-old boy inside a safari vehicle. Eyewitnesses say the big cat clawed the teenager before retreating, leaving him injured and rushed to a hospital. The incident has prompted park officials to issue strict safety guidelines for safari drivers and tourists. Meanwhile, conservationists warn that increasing urban encroachment around the park is heightening the risks of such human-wildlife encounters.

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.