A 12-year-old boy suffered “deep gashes” after he was attacked by a leopard during a safari Jeep tour, local outlet India Today reported.
What Happened in Bannerghatta Biological Park?
The terrifying incident happened on Friday, Aug. 15, in Bangalore’s Bannerghatta Biological Park. The young victim, identified only as Suhas, reportedly sustained “deep gashes” after a leopard stood up and leaned its body into the window of the safari Jeep, swiping its paws left to right. Horrifying video shows the moment the leopard invades the carriage, with witnesses looking on in shock.
“A 12-year-old boy was injured during a non-AC bus safari inside the leopard safari zone,” Bannerghatta Biological Park executive director Surya Sen told the Associated Press (via People). “The leopard, while climbing up the bus, clawed the boy’s hand, which was in an accessible place. He was given first aid and checked for further injuries.” Following the administration of first aid, Suhas was “rushed” to a local hospital before being discharged later that same day.
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What have officials said about the attack?
The incident is currently under investigation by law enforcement officials. Meanwhile, park officials are exploring new possibilities for safeguarding safari-goers from unwanted animal attention. This most recent incident comes just one year after another leopard was spotted putting its head into the windows of a safari vehicle at Bannerghatta Biological Park.
Eshwar B Khandre, Bangalore’s Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment, told the Deccan Herald that all safari parks should have wire mesh on the windows of their vehicles to deter animal attacks. Additionally, Khandre is calling for more explicit safety warnings to be printed on all tickets for safari excursions.
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