A routine cleaning task turned into a frightening ordeal for a 50-year-old animal keeper at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) on Friday morning, after a leopard clawed him through an enclosure barrier.
Shanthappa, a contract employee who has served at the park’s rescue centre for over two decades, had reportedly shifted the leopard to an adjacent makeshift cage before entering the enclosure to begin cleaning. Officials said the animal suddenly thrust its paw through the iron mesh and clawed him on the cheek and neck.
Colleagues rush to help
Bleeding from the injuries, Shanthappa raised an alarm. Fellow staff members immediately pulled him out and rushed him to a hospital in Jigani. Sources at BBP confirmed that his injuries are not life-threatening and that he is currently stable.
Executive Director AV Surya Sen termed the incident unfortunate, noting that it occurred despite standard safety protocols being followed.
Second narrow escape
Family members revealed that this is the second time Shanthappa has survived an animal attack. In 2006, he was reportedly attacked by a gaur at the park but recovered.
“He has worked here for more than 20 years as a contract employee without job security. The government must support our family,” his wife said.
Wildlife activists pointed out that the incident highlights the unpredictable nature of wild animals, even in controlled rescue environments.
The episode has once again brought attention to the risks faced by frontline animal handlers and the need for enhanced safety measures and welfare support for contract staff working in wildlife facilities.