In a startling incident, a leopard entered the jungle safari park near the Statue of Unity at Kevadia and killed a blackbuck. Unexpectedly, the remaining seven blackbucks reportedly died from the shock of seeing the big cat in action. 
The incident occurred during the early hours of January 1, triggering an investigation by the local forest department.&nbsp; 
According to forest officials, the leopard, aged between 2 and 3 years, managed to breach the well-fenced boundary of the park. A key attraction near the world&rsquo;s tallest statue, the park is surrounded by the dense forests of the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, an area known for its leopard population.
The big cat reportedly entered the herbivore enclosure, where it attacked and killed one blackbuck. The remaining seven blackbucks are believed to have died from shock and panic following the attack. Forest department officials confirmed that all eight carcasses underwent post-mortem examinations, after which they were cremated.
Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Agneeshwar Vyas of the Kevadia division, explained that while leopard movements in the surrounding forests are common, this is the first recorded instance of a wild leopard entering the safari park.&nbsp;
He added that the park is monitored around the clock through more than 400 CCTV cameras, and the leopard&rsquo;s presence was detected almost immediately. Security personnel were alerted, and their response caused the leopard to flee. However, it is still unconfirmed whether the leopard has exited the safari park entirely.
Following the incident, the park was temporarily closed to tourists for 48 hours. Although the park reopened on January 3, concerns remain about the leopard&rsquo;s potential return.

Jungle safari park was closed for 48 hours following the attack

Incident occurred at the jungle safari park in Kevadia near Statue of Unity

Leopard Kills Blackbuck, 7 Others Die of Shock

Incident occurred at the jungle safari park in Kevadia near Statue of Unity

January 5, 2025 | 16:31 IST