Leopardess dies in national park in Bhopal

An old leopardess died in the Van Vihar National Park here after brief illness, officials said today.

"The leopardess, Khushi (20) died yesterday. The animal was brought to the Van Vihar from Burhanpur forest division in October, 2005, at the age of nearly 8-10 years," National Park veterinarian Dr Atul Gupta said.

Prima facie, it appears that the feline died of respiratory failure, he said, adding that post autopsy, the carcass was cremated as per rules.