Darjeeling: Drones, trap cameras, cages and three days of search operations have failed to spot Sachin, the leopard. This has given rise to doubts whether Sachin is still at the premise of Bengal Safari Park.
Sachin, an adult leopard had escaped from the leopard enclosure at Bengal Safari near Siliguri on Tuesday morning.
The Safari authorities said clues suggested Sachin was hiding in the adjacent herbivore enclosure since his escape.
More than a 100 forest personnel along with wildlife squads; four trained elephants and vehicles have been pressed into the search operations.
Around 15 cages have been set up inside the 91-hectare herbivore enclosure and seven trap cameras have also been set up and drones flown on Thursday in search of Sachin.
Vinod Kumar Yadav, Member Secretary of the West Bengal Zoo Authority on Thursday stated: "We have left no stone unturned. All resources are being utilised to the full capacity. Let us see what is the result." However, most of the personnel of the wildlife squad are of the opinion that Sachin has gone out of the Safari Park. The minute search operation, drones and bursting of fire crackers throughout the day would definitely spotted the adult leopard, they feel.
However, the Park authorities are of the opinion that Sanchin is hiding in the Park. "Leopards can camouflage themselves well. They can even hide for hours in bushes," argued Ashim Chaki, Assistant Director.
Meanwhile, pug marks were seen on Thursday in the 7th Mile area adjacent to the Park. Though the marks are that of a leopard, it cannot be said for sure that it belongs to Sachin. Wildlife authorities feel that Sachin has lost the ability to hunt owing to his long tenure at Leopard Rescue Centre in South Khayerbari in Jalpaiguri. He used to be fed in
the Park.
Forest personnel also feel that owing to lack of food since escape, Sachin could have gone weak. On top of that not a single herbivore including deer have been attacked by Sachin.
Sachin's escape has taken a toll on the visitor footfall. Thursday saw diminishing numbers. As visitors have been prohibited to roam the park on foot, business in canteens and restaurants has been considerably affected.
Meanwhile Sourav, the other male leopard is being closely watched. He has been shifted from the open space of the enclosure to the
night shelter.
In June 2018, two male leopards were brought to the Safari. The duo had been caught from Satali Tea Estate in Alipurduar and were kept at Leopard rescue Centre in South Khayerbari in Jalpaiguri.