Leopard – Caretaker Seriously Injured in Bannerghatta Park Attack
Leopard – A staff member at Bannerghatta Biological Park was severely injured after being attacked by a leopard inside its enclosure on Friday morning, prompting renewed scrutiny of safety protocols at the popular Bengaluru attraction.
Attack During Routine Cleaning Work
The incident took place at around 8.30 a.m. inside the premises of Bannerghatta Biological Park, situated on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The park, a major destination for wildlife enthusiasts, receives heavy footfall from city residents and tourists throughout the year.
The injured staff member has been identified as Shantappa, who was reportedly assigned to clean the leopard enclosure as part of his regular duties. According to initial accounts, the animal had been fed chicken and mutton on Thursday night in line with its standard diet schedule.
As per established procedures, animals are typically moved to a separate holding area in the morning to allow workers to clean their primary enclosures safely. Once the cleaning process is completed, the animals are returned.
Leopard Slipped Through Narrow Gap
Officials said that despite being shifted to another compartment, the leopard managed to find a narrow opening and re-enter the enclosure area during the cleaning operation. It was at this point that the animal attacked the caretaker.
Shantappa sustained serious injuries to his neck, face and chest. Park staff immediately arranged for emergency medical assistance, and he was transported to a hospital in Jigani for treatment. Hospital sources later confirmed that he is currently recovering, though he remains under close medical supervision.
The case falls under the jurisdiction of the Bannerghatta police station. Authorities are expected to review the sequence of events to determine how the leopard accessed the enclosure and whether any lapse in containment measures occurred.
Earlier Leopard Incidents Raise Concerns
This is not the first time leopards at the park have been involved in incidents causing injuries. In November 2025, a 56-year-old woman from Chennai was injured when a leopard clawed her through an open window of a safari vehicle. A similar episode occurred in August 2025, when a 13-year-old boy was hurt after a leopard reached through mesh during a safari ride.
Both incidents happened in the park’s leopard safari zone and led to a temporary suspension of non-air-conditioned safari vehicles. Following safety assessments, park authorities reinforced protective mesh and introduced stricter compliance rules for visitors, particularly regarding keeping windows securely closed.
The recent attack on a staff member is likely to intensify discussions around operational safety, especially in areas where humans and wild animals come into close proximity.
Popular Eco-Tourism Destination
Spread across approximately 20 hectares, Bannerghatta Biological Park is home to South India’s first leopard safari and is considered the largest of its kind in the country. The facility operates as a separate entity within the broader landscape of Bannerghatta National Park, having been carved out to promote eco-recreation and structured wildlife tourism.
The park attracts thousands of visitors every year, offering safari experiences and opportunities to observe various species in managed habitats. However, repeated incidents involving leopards have underscored the delicate balance between conservation, tourism and safety.
Authorities have not yet released a detailed statement on whether additional preventive measures will be introduced following Friday’s attack. Further updates are awaited as investigations continue and the injured staff member receives treatment.