In a terrifying repeat incident, a leopard attacked a woman during a safari at Bannerghatta Biological Park on Tuesday, marking the second such attack within just three months at the popular Bengaluru tourist destination.
The Attack Incident Details
The frightening encounter occurred around 4:30 PM when a 22-year-old woman named Ramya was visiting the park with her family. The attack took place in the herbivore safari section, surprisingly not in the carnivore zone where such incidents might be more expected.
According to eyewitness accounts and park officials, the leopard emerged suddenly from the surrounding bushes and targeted Ramya, who was seated near a window in the safari bus. The big cat managed to claw at her through the open window before the driver could accelerate and move the vehicle to safety.
The victim sustained injuries on her hand and shoulder and was immediately provided first aid at the park's medical facility. She was later transported to a nearby private hospital for further treatment, where doctors confirmed her condition as stable.
Previous Attack and Safety Concerns
This alarming incident comes just three months after a similar attack in April, when another visitor was injured by a leopard under nearly identical circumstances. The repeated nature of these attacks has raised serious questions about the safety protocols at the popular wildlife park.
Following Tuesday's attack, park authorities have taken the significant step of immediately suspending all non-AC bus services for the safari. Only air-conditioned buses with properly secured windows will continue to operate while officials review and strengthen safety measures.
A senior forest department official stated, "We are thoroughly investigating how the leopard entered the herbivore section and why the safety protocols failed to prevent this incident. The safety of our visitors is our utmost priority."
Immediate Aftermath and Response
The Bannerghatta Biological Park management has assured visitors that comprehensive safety audits are being conducted. Additional forest department personnel have been deployed to monitor animal movements more closely, particularly along the safari routes.
Park visitors expressed mixed reactions to the incident. While some regular visitors acknowledged the inherent risks of wildlife parks, others questioned whether sufficient precautions were being taken given this being the second attack in such a short timeframe.
The forest department has formed a special committee to investigate the circumstances leading to both attacks and is expected to submit its report within two weeks. Meanwhile, visitors are being advised to strictly follow all safety guidelines, particularly regarding keeping windows closed during the safari tours.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing wildlife conservation with visitor safety in India's popular national parks and biological reserves, especially those located near urban centers like Bengaluru.
