Pune: Katraj Zoo Achieves Milestone With Successful Breeding Of Rare Leopard Cat

Katraj, 12th May 2025: For the first time, a breeding experiment involving the rare “Leopard Cat” has been successfully conducted at Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj. The cub, which was separated from its mother for special care, is now seven months old. This marks the first successful breeding attempt of the Leopard Cat in any zoo in Maharashtra, a significant step towards the conservation of the elusive species.

Currently, the zoo is home to four Leopard Cats, also known as “Bibat Cat” or “Wagati Cat”. The zoo administration initiated the breeding experiment a year ago, and in October of last year, a pair gave birth to a cub. Due to its low birth weight of just 76 grams, the cub required intensive care and was separated from its mother. Veterinary experts monitored the cub’s diet, temperature, and overall health meticulously, ensuring its steady recovery.

Rajkumar Jadhav, Director of Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park informed that the cub has now grown stronger and is thriving under close observation. “The Leopard Cat is a rare and shy species, making sightings in the wild infrequent. Currently, the only Leopard Cats in the state are housed at the Katraj Zoo, as similar breeding attempts elsewhere have not been successful,” he added further.

Dr. Ghanshyam Pawar, a veterinary officer at the zoo, stated that the first six months were crucial for the cub’s survival, which is why the information was not disclosed earlier. “Now that the cub is in good health, it has been placed in a separate enclosure and will soon be introduced to a public exhibit,” he added further.

The zoo administration considers this breeding success a crucial step in the conservation of the Leopard Cat, aiming to increase public awareness about the species and its habitat requirements.