Lucknow: A seven-year-old male leopard, that had spread fear in Sindhuana village of Lakhimpur Kheri and was rescued by the forest department on Mar 28, was brought to Lucknow Zoo on Monday. The leopard, weighing around 50 kg, had strayed into the village from nearby forest areas and killed a seven-year-old girl, triggering panic among residents. “Following the incident, the forest department launched an intensive operation to capture the animal and after doing so, handed it over to Lucknow Zoo,” said divisional forest officer (north) Kirti Chaudhary.The leopard has now been placed under strict medical supervision at Lucknow Zoo. Zoo director Sanjay Biswal said the leopard will remain in quarantine for 15 days at the zoo hospital as part of standard protocol. “During this period, the leopard will be closely observed for any signs of injury, stress or disease,” Biswal said. “A detailed health assessment will determine its future course, including whether it can be rehabilitated or needs to remain in captivity.”
