Kufri, Himachal Pradesh | September 3, 2026
A wild leopard breached an enclosure at the Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri and killed an aged captive leopard named Sheru in an incident that has raised serious questions over security arrangements at the facility.
The incident occurred on August 8, when the wild leopard entered an enclosure housing Sheru and a five-year-old leopardess, Bandit. Bandit survived the encounter unharmed.
Wild leopard entered through fence gap
According to Wildlife Department officials, the intruding leopard managed to enter through a small hole or cavity in the iron fencing surrounding the enclosure. The gap has since been repaired.
The wild leopard was later tranquilised, captured and medically examined, before being released into the forest on August 9.
Post-mortem reveals Sheru died in a fight
Initially, officials could not determine whether Sheru had died from natural causes. However, a post-mortem conducted later concluded that the elderly leopard had suffered fatal injuries during a struggle with another animal. The report was received on August 30.
Wildlife officials subsequently sought an explanation from the zoo authorities over how the wild leopard gained access to the enclosure.
Sheru had lived at the park since 2007
Sheru had been under the care of the Forest and Wildlife Department for almost two decades. He was rescued as a cub from a forest fire in Summer Hill in 2007 and had remained at the Himalayan Nature Park since then.
Bandit, meanwhile, had been rescued in 2021 after being found isolated in a forest.
A wildlife official suggested that the wild male may have been attracted by the scent of Bandit and became aggressive after encountering Sheru, another male leopard, inside the enclosure.
Detailed report to be sent to Central Zoo Authority
Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Shimla, Shahnawaz Ahmad Bhatt, said the incident represented a lapse and that the department had inspected the site.
Once the Kufri zoo authorities submit their explanation, the Wildlife Department will prepare a detailed report for the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) in Delhi.
The incident has highlighted the unusual challenges faced by a wildlife facility located immediately beside natural forest habitat, where wild leopards continue to move through the surrounding landscape.
Source: The Indian Express, September 3, 2026.
Leave a Reply