Bannerughatta Biological Park (BBP) will soon introduce a leopard safari for visitors by the end of the month, making it the third site in the country to offer leopard safaris after the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park in Nagpur and the Rajgir Zoo Safari.

Due to be the largest leopard safari in the country, the zone will cover over 20 hectares and will complement the existing lion and tiger safaris, according to Karnataka’s Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister, Eshwar Khandre. Currently, the BBP has 70 leopards out of which 12 will be displayed to the public in the safari area. The safari zone will be enclosed with high-rise mesh fencing to secure the animals and tourists will be allowed to enter the safari zone for a few minutes before being ushered onto other safari zones.

Khandre presided over the annual boarding meeting of the Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) and directed officials to bring in innovative measures to attract tourists and provide a regular income for zoos.

Furthermore, saltwater and freshwater fish aquariums in the BBP will be developed on a public-private partnership (PPP) model. A feasibility report was reviewed and approved with an emphasis on international guidelines. It will be constructed between the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens and Karanji Lake in Mysuru.

Approval was also given to operate a Vulture Conservation Breeding Center within the BBP, and the commencement of a 10-month diploma course in animal care and management at the site. This course is in collaboration with the Life Science Education Trust, Bengaluru, and has the accreditation of Bangalore University.

The appointment of veterinarians was also discussed at the meeting. Approval was given for the appointment of doctors to ensure that there is no shortage of wildlife veterinarians in zoos and that measures are taken to ensure that the wildlife in zoos do not die due to infection and other diseases.

(With inputs from multiple news agencies)