Junnar: To tackle the rising human-leopard conflict and overcrowding at rescue facilities, the Junnar Forest Department has started relocating leopards to Gujarat. In the first phase, 20 leopards were sent to the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (Vantara) in Jamnagar.

Over the past decade, the Junnar Forest Division has seen an increase in leopard attacks on humans and livestock. Several animals captured from sensitive areas of Junnar and Shirur were kept at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre, which has reached its capacity of 50 animals, prompting the need for relocation.

The transfer was carried out after approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) on December 20, 2025. A 25-member expert team from Jamnagar, led by Veterinary Officer Dr Gaurav Shrivastava, reached Junnar on March 6 to supervise the process.

On March 7, under the supervision of Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Dr Jitendra Ramgaonkar and Conservator of Forests Ashish Thakare, 20 leopards, 10 males and 10 females, were transported in air-conditioned rescue vans to Vantara.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Prashant Khade said all veterinary and safety protocols were followed during the relocation. The operation was executed by forest officials and a technical team from Vantara. DeshGujarat