Leopards let loose in Goa zoo

Three adult leopards and two cubs were let loose in South Goa's Bondla zoo on Saturday, after some unknown persons opened their cages, forcing the zoo authorities to shut down the premises for a day, an official statement said on Saturday.

The statement issued by officials of the Bondla zoo, which is operated by the state Forest Department also said that all three adult leopards were captured and rehabilitated to their cages, while an operation is on to capture the two cubs, who are still missing in the zoo premises, the statement said.

"Necessary investigation in the matter is underway. A police complaint has been filed in the matter and necessary steps taken by the Ponda police station are underway. The zoo was closed to visitors," the statement added.

The Bondla zoo, the only zoo in the state, is located in Ponda sub district located around 50 km from Panaji.

--IANS

maya/ahm/