Bannerghatta Leopard Attack: 13-Year-Old Boy Injured During Safari as Big Cat Lunges Through Window

A 13-year-old boy was injured in a leopard attack during a wildlife safari at Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru on Friday afternoon. The safari vehicle, carrying visitors, made a halt when a leopard lunged through an open window and attacked the child.

The victim, identified as Suhas, a resident of Bommasandra, suffered deep scratches on his hand. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital for treatment. Suhas had been on the safari with his parents, enjoying a holiday trip.

The terrifying incident was captured by another tourist and has since gone viral on social media. The footage shows the leopard leaping towards the safari bus and swiping at the boy.

Following the incident, the Executive Director of Bannerghatta National Park clarified on X (formerly Twitter):

"A 12-year-old boy was injured during a non-AC bus safari inside the leopard safari zone. The leopard swiped at the boy's hand as he was boarding the bus. He was given first aid and checked for further injuries."

Officials assured that safety measures are being strengthened. All safari vehicles will have their window grills securely covered, including camera slots. Drivers of non-AC buses have also been instructed to exercise utmost caution during safari operations.

The Bannerghatta Zoological Park and National Park is one of Bengaluru's most popular tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors every week. However, this incident comes amid growing safety concerns and controversies surrounding the park.

There has also been a rise in human-wildlife conflicts around Bengaluru's outskirts, with leopards and elephants frequently spotted near residential areas.

Environmentalists warn that urban expansion and infrastructure projects around the park are disturbing natural wildlife corridors. They argue that shrinking forest cover is pushing animals closer to human settlements, increasing the chances of dangerous encounters like this recent leopard attack.

The leopard attack at Bannerghatta Biological Park has raised serious questions about safari safety and wildlife management. While authorities have promised stricter safety protocols, experts emphasize the urgent need to balance tourism, urban development, and conservation to prevent further conflicts.