Leopard Captured in Cage at Sri Venkateswara University Campus in Tirupati
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Synopsis
A leopard was captured in a cage on the Sri Venkateswara University campus in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, by the Forest Department. The animal, observed in the area for weeks, was examined and later released into the wild. Concerns arose among students and locals due to its frequent sightings nearby.
Key Takeaways
- Leopard captured in Tirupati university.
- Forest Department set up four cages for capture.
- Animal examined and released back into the wild.
- Concerns raised among students due to leopard sightings.
- Increased security measures in area.
Tirupati, April 6 (NationPress) A leopard was caught in a cage set by the Forest Department on the premises of Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, this past Sunday.
This big cat had been spotted roaming around the university campus and nearby areas for several weeks before its capture.
Veterinary professionals assessed the leopard and confirmed it was in good health. Subsequently, the animal was released back into the wild.
In total, four cages were strategically placed throughout the campus in an effort to capture this elusive leopard, which has been frequently seen entering the campus from the adjacent Tirumala forests.
According to officials from the Forest Department, the leopard was recently observed near the SVU students’ hostel and at Devlok on Tirupati Zoo Park Road, raising concerns among students and prompting calls for its removal.
In February, the Forest Department conducted a thorough search of the expansive SVU campus amid suspicions that there might be leopard cubs nearby.
Forest guards, along with university security, staff, NSS volunteers, and students, participated in the search, but no evidence of cubs was discovered.
Last month, a leopard was seen on the Alipiri walkway, causing alarm among local shopkeepers and worshippers.
CCTV footage captured the leopard's movements at a shop, leading the shopkeeper to notify officials from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).
TTD officials cautioned devotees to travel in groups on the walkway for safety.
Previously, a leopard was spotted near Muggu Bavi along the walkway but retreated into the woods. TTD security personnel have been ensuring the safety of visitors.
Additional security protocols have been implemented in collaboration with the Forest Department.
The Alipiri walkway is frequented by hundreds of devotees daily making their way to the Sri Venkateshwara temple located atop the Tirumala Hills. This 9-kilometer path features 3,550 steps leading to the sacred hill shrine.
Earlier this year, a leopard sighting near Alipiri at the base of the Tirumala Hills caused significant concern among Tirupati residents and travelers.
A contract worker at TTD’s Aswini Hospital sustained injuries after encountering a leopard while riding a bike on the Alipiri-Cherlopalli road.
The leopard leapt across the median to access the forest, causing Muni Kumar to lose his balance and fall off the bike out of fear.
There have been multiple recent sightings of leopards on this road.
