The rescued common leopard in its protected cell at the Nagaland Zoological Park, Dimapur. (Photo Courtesy: NZP)
Dimapur, July 13 (MExN): A common leopard which was captured by a group of youths in Longpong ward in Tuli town, on July 11, has safely reached the Nagaland Zoological Park, Dimapur.
Following the capture, the Longpong Ward Committee had decided to present the leopard to the Wildlife Department of Nagaland.
According to a press release from Director, Nagaland Zoological Park (NZP), Dr Prabhat Kumar, on July 12, the rescue operation of the leopard was successfully conducted under the direction and close supervision of the Chief Wildlife Warden M Mhonbemo Ngullie and the animal was handed over to the zoo authority for rehabilitation.
Earlier, the animal was causing serious concern for the locals in the area for picking of livestock and posing probable future threat to human lives, the release stated.
After the animal was caught in a locally made trap, the animal was safely handed over to the Range Officer of Tuli, Ailong under the supervision of Dr Sentitula, DFO Mokokchung. The animal was under their constant care and monitoring in coordination with whole village and a local veterinarian Dr Toshiwati, SPBC Merangkong, until the rescue team arrived, the release stated.
Subsequently, Wildlife Warden of Dimapur, Tokaho Kinimi dispatched a rescue team led by Hukai Zhimo of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Dimapur along with veterinary doctors and support staff and safely brought the animal to Dimapur, it said.
Meanwhile, the NZP Director expressed gratitude to the village authority and youths of Longpong ward for their efforts in the rescue operation. He also appreciated the efforts of DFO Mokokchung, the district administration and police department in Mokokchung and Dimapur districts, as well as the Forest and Police department from Assam for their efforts in the rescue operation.
The rescued female common leopard is now safely kept in the protected cell of the zoo, the Director stated.
