Bengaluru: Seven leopard cubs succumb to viral infection at Bannerghatta National Park

Seven leopard cubs, ranging in age from three to 10 months, have tragically succumbed to the Panleucopenia virus at Bengaluru's Bannerghatta National Park.

It was revealed that three of these cubs had fallen victim to the infection after being introduced to the newly established leopard safari within Bannerghatta Park, while the remaining four died at the rehabilitation center.

The infected leopard cubs had been rescued from various locations, including Biligirirangana Hill, Mysore Zoo, and Maddur, prior to their transfer to the rehabilitation center at Bannerghatta Biological Park. Following their treatment, they were subsequently released into the safari area.

Bannerghatta Biological Park swiftly implemented precautionary measures to prevent the virus from spreading among other animals.

The Bannerghatta Animal Rehabilitation Centre is home to 80 leopards, and strict measures have been put in place to prevent interaction between infected leopards and their caregivers and other animals.

Among the 12 wild animals infected, four leopard cubs and one lion cub have successfully recovered after receiving treatment.

The park is undergoing thorough disinfection twice daily, along with vigilant monitoring of bats entering the premises. Entrance and exit areas have been equipped with disinfectant solutions, and preparations are in progress to implement thermal scanning for tourists in the near future.