Power fencing to keep leopards away at SOU jungle safari

Vadodara: The Sardar Patel Zoological Park (SPEP), popularly known as Jungle Safari, located just 2 km from the world's tallest statue, the Statue of Unity (SOU), is grappling with frequent leopard sightings in its vicinity, raising concerns about the safety of the herbivores in its enclosures.

In response, the park management decided to install power fencing around the enclosures to prevent leopard intrusions. Three days ago, a young leopard managed to scale the existing 12-foot-high fences surrounding the 375-acre park. The wild cat entered the blackbuck enclosure, killing one blackbuck, while seven others died of shock.

"We are in the process of placing an order for power fencing, and work will begin soon. This measure is being implemented as per recommendations from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA)," said Bipul Chakrabarty, Director of SPEP.

Leopards have been spotted near the park and Tent City 2 on the SOU premises, posing a risk to the herbivorous animals inside the enclosures, he confirmed.

To address this issue, the new power fencing will be installed above the current fences in vulnerable areas. "If a leopard attempts to climb the fence, the power fencing will prevent it from crossing over," Chakrabarty told TOI.

To enhance security, the park management increased night patrolling across the sprawling premises, which is guarded by 64 personnel. Additionally, 440 CCTV cameras have been installed throughout the park, with one person monitoring the footage around the clock.

Trap cameras have also been deployed to detect nocturnal movements and immediately alert guards. The forest department reviewed the park's security measures, and a few cages have been placed strategically to trap any returning leopards.

"There are chances that the leopard may return to the park. We have set up cages to safely capture it if it does," said Agnishwar Vyas, deputy conservator of forests (DCF), Kevadiya. He added that leopard sightings around the SOU premises have become increasingly frequent.

Jungle Safari houses hundreds of animals and is a magnet for tourists coming to SOU.