Pune, 12 December 2025: An adult male leopard that had been frequently sighted around the Pune Airport area since April was finally captured on Wednesday in a coordinated rescue operation. The mission was led by the Pune Forest Department in collaboration with RESQ Charitable Trust, the Indian Air Force and the Pune Airport Authorities.
According to officials, the leopard had been moving through underground tunnels, thick bushes and low-disturbance zones across the airport premises. Because the airport is a sensitive and high-security area with continuous operations, the rescue teams faced major technical and safety challenges during the months-long effort to contain the animal.
To monitor the leopard’s activity, the teams deployed camera traps, live-feed cameras and cages across the area. All possible exit routes were strengthened or temporarily sealed to prevent the animal from straying into operational zones. Additional cameras were installed inside the tunnels, and the camera traps were repositioned multiple times to track the leopard’s movement more precisely.
On 11 December, a team of around 30 members planned a targeted operation to guide the leopard into an 80-foot tunnel section, where they could safely tranquilize it under controlled conditions. The animal was successfully sedated and captured without harm.
Authorities confirmed that the leopard will now undergo medical evaluation before being relocated to a safe natural habitat.
