Nagpur: The Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park has once again found itself at the centre of controversy after a violent clash between leopards inside the safari area reportedly led to multiple deaths, raising serious questions about transparency and wildlife management.

While Forest Department officials have officially confirmed the death of one leopard and injuries to another following the incident on June 14, sources have claimed that as many as three leopards may have died during the conflict. The discrepancy between the official version and claims emerging from within the system has triggered concern among wildlife enthusiasts and environmental activists.

According to officials, the clash occurred after a leopard from the adjoining forest allegedly entered the safari enclosure, resulting in a territorial fight among the big cats. However, critics have questioned how such extensive damage could occur if only a single outsider leopard had entered the enclosure.

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Sources familiar with the matter claim that three leopards — identified as Raja, Lucky and Diana — were killed during the confrontation. These claims have not been officially confirmed by authorities.

Questions Over Rescue Operations

The incident has also sparked criticism regarding the handling of rescue operations. Sources allege that contract staff were extensively involved in the rescue effort despite the sensitive nature of managing large wild carnivores.

Wildlife experts argue that rescue and containment operations involving leopards require trained personnel and specialized protocols, making the alleged use of inadequately trained staff a matter of concern.

Mystery Surrounds Leopard’s Movements

Further questions have emerged over the whereabouts of the leopard believed to have entered from outside the safari. According to reports, the animal reportedly remained inside a night shelter throughout the night after the clash.

However, search operations conducted on Sunday allegedly failed to locate the leopard. Forest officials later rescued the animal from the same night shelter on Monday morning, a development that has raised concerns about possible lapses in monitoring and tracking procedures.

Calls for Independent Probe

The conflicting accounts surrounding the incident have intensified demands for an impartial investigation. Wildlife activists and conservation groups have called for a detailed inquiry to establish the exact sequence of events and determine whether all facts related to the leopard deaths have been disclosed.

Forest Department authorities have so far maintained that one leopard died and another was injured in the clash. However, with claims of additional fatalities continuing to circulate, pressure is mounting for greater transparency and an independent review of the incident.

If the allegations of multiple deaths are proven correct, the controversy could have serious implications for the management and oversight of one of Central India’s most prominent wildlife tourism projects.