Month-long Postponement Raises Questions Over Oversight and Accountability in Zoo Management
A month after an alarming leopard escape incident rocked the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj on March 4, concerns regarding safety and management persist as a joint committee, tasked with investigating the matter, has yet to visit the facility.
The incident, which saw an eight-year-old male leopard named Sachin break out of its enclosure, went unreported to authorities including the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), police, and forest department. With over 1,000 visitors frequenting the zoo daily, the escape triggered widespread apprehension regarding public safety and administrative oversight.
Despite efforts by the RESQ Charitable Trust team, Sachin eluded capture for over 40 hours within the zoo premises before being successfully contained. In response to the incident, Sanjay Shukla, member secretary of the central zoo authority, directed the chief wildlife warden to conduct an immediate investigation.
However, a planned visit by a joint committee comprising expert members from both central and state zoo authorities, scheduled for March 11, was inexplicably postponed. Shriram Shinde, curator at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park’s Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, expressed dismay over the delay, stating, “Despite initial plans, the committee has failed to follow through with its visit to Katraj Zoo.”
Ashok Ghorpade, head of the garden department at PMC, echoed similar sentiments, revealing the lack of communication from the committee following the postponement. “As a central and state committee, the reasons for the delay remain unclear to us,” Ghorpade remarked.
In response to inquiries, Sanjay Shukla reiterated his directive for the committee’s visit, expressing bewilderment over the delay and promising further investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, Maheep Gupta, chief wildlife warden for Maharashtra, and principal chief conservator for forests, remained unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts by Hindustan Times.
Despite the setback, Shinde assured that rigorous safety reviews and repair works have been undertaken at the rescue center to fortify enclosures. Additionally, ongoing training programs aim to enhance staff preparedness and prevent future incidents.
As stakeholders await clarity on the delayed visit, the episode underscores the pressing need for enhanced vigilance and accountability in zoo management to ensure the safety of both visitors and animals.
