Sambalpur: Shortly after being released into one enclosure, two leopards were found mating in Odisha’s Sambalpur Zoo showing a very high degree of compatibility between them.
Sources said the mating took place between a male leopard, which was rescued and later brought to the zoo, and one which was already in the zoo. While the male leopard named Raja is around 8-year-old, the female named Rani is aged around 7 years.
“Both the animals were released together in the enclosure on November 9 and they were found mating within one hour,” officials said.
Notably, leopard cubs were last born in zoo of Odisha in 1982 at Nandankanan.
Officials further stated that the male leopard, which had reportedly killed two human beings and injured one in Nuapada district last year, was captured on November 5, 2023. It was then brought from Nuapada to the Rescue Centre in Sambalpur Zoo under Hirakud Wildlife Division on November 8, 2023.
After over 11 months of treatment in quarantine, the male leopard was released the same night house where the female was put but both were kept separately without physical contact for acquaintance and for increasing chances of pairing.
They were under 24/7 observation for behavioural study. Both Rani and Raja were found to be compatible with each other and were observed communicating with each other in a friendly manner for one month, even trying to reach the other.
Thereafter, both were released together in one enclosure on November 9 as they were found to be compatible. Within an hour of release in one enclosure, Rani was seen cautiously approaching the male leopard Raja and low growls and sharp snarls were heard from both partners by the visitors watching this sight at the zoo.
The leopard male is generally expected to mate with the female for 1 to 5 days. The pair already started getting engaged in a lot of chasing inside the enclosure and mating. CCTV cameras have been installed in the display enclosure for 24/7 observation and to ensure safety.
Notably, the leopard enclosure at Sambalpur Zoo was expanded during 2023 to 550 sq. mtr for accommodating two or more leopards.
Glass view facility has been developed during 2024 for display of two leopards. 20 feet by 7 feet glass viewing area has been created for better visibility & viewing experience by visitors.
Hammocks have been created for leopards and bears in Sambalpur Zoo for comfort to animals as an enrichment, the officials added.
