Surulia zoo set to get a leopard pair, grey wolf after WBZA green signal

Surulia Zoo in Purulia is set to receive its first pair of leopards, followed soon by a grey wolf, a development expected to further boost tourism in West Bengal. The West Bengal Zoo Authority (WBZA) has given its approval after a recent inspection by a high-level delegation.

A delegation from the WBZA visited Surulia Mini Zoo earlier this month and inspected the cages as well as the proposed enclosures where the leopards will be housed. Following their two-day visit, the team suggested certain modifications and improvements. The zoo authorities have assured full compliance with all norms and directives within the next fortnight.

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According to sources at the mini zoo, the leopards and the grey wolf are likely to arrive by Holi, this year.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Kangsabati North Division, Mudit Kumar, said that a male and a female leopard will be brought from the Khayerbari Tiger Rehabilitation Centre in north Bengal.

“We have received the green signal from the West Bengal Zoo Authority. We will now make the necessary changes to the enclosure as suggested and then bring the two big cats from north Bengal,” he added.

The West Bengal Forest Department is planning to expand and upgrade Surulia Zoo. Steps will be taken shortly to prepare a master plan and a detailed project report (DPR).

The proposed leopard enclosure will include four night shelters, a water pool, large trees and a grassland roaming area. A two-tier safety system will also be put in place to ensure that visitors cannot disturb the animals directly.

Surulia Zoo, formerly known as Surulia Mini Zoo, is located in Purulia town, about 5.3 kilometres from Purulia railway station. It is maintained and operated by the Forest Department’s Kangsabati North Division. Surulia Zoo is recognised as a premier zoo in its category in West Bengal.

At present, the zoo houses 11 different species, with an annual visitor footfall of over 60,000. With the introduction of new wild animals, the zoo authorities hope to significantly increase the number of visitors.