ANJALI SUBEDI KATHMANDU, July 14 : The Central Zoo rescue team rescued eight leopards and four cubs from different areas of the Kathmandu Valley in the last one year. The team reveals that killing of the cubs by humans is even more common on the outskirts, though no record have been maintained of the killed. “We rescued eight leopards in the last one year. First they are brought to the zoo for treatment and after they show good signs, we leave them in their natural habitat,” said Dr Bal Krishna Giri, the rescue team leader. “We do not release them in the jungle until they grow up and become fit to survive on their own.” Giri added that people do not spare even the cubs when they sneak into human habitat. “When people see cubs, the little creatures become their easy prey. Very rarely do they call us to receive an injured cub. Nobody takes notice of the dying cubs.” The latest cub rescued by the zoo staffs that weighs 12 kg is still recovering from the injuries inflicted by human beings. Another rescue team member Radha Krishna Gharti informed that the cub would be left in the jungle after it fully recovers and also gets little stronger. Sightings of the big cats in the valley have gradually increased over time, thanks to their ever shrinking habitat. Until a few years ago, the rescue team would devote more of their duty hours to the zoo animals. Since last two years, the team informs, rescuing leopards and other animals across the valley keeps them occupied most of the time. Leopards have sneaked into residential areas like Danchi, Kavresthali, Imadol, Khumaltar, Tundaldevi, Chandol, Balkot Maharajgunj, Kirtipur, Changunarayan, and Sirutar, among other places, in the valley. “Unlike early years, we now become very alert regarding the calls to rescue operation. This year we handled the cases of eight leopards and four cubs. Such sightings are bound to grow next year,” Giri confirmed, adding that the leopards enter cities in search of food and water. (Source : Myrepublica)