Bengaluru:  An exclusive Leopard Safari at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) will be opened by Deepavali festival, said Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) Chairman L.R. Mahadevaswamy.

Disclosing this after inspecting the ongoing works at BBP on Thursday, Mahadevaswamy said that the BBP has Cobras, Panthers, Crocodiles, Bears, Deer and other animals in a 12 hectare area in BBP. Lion and Tiger Safaris already exist and a Leopard Safari would be an added attraction, he added.

Pointing out that the Leopard Safari project works, being undertaken at a cost of Rs. 2 crore grants, were in the final stages in a 50 acre area, he said that it is the first in the State that a Leopard Safari is being established in a large area and added that eight leopards would be released inside the safari area initially on an experimental basis.

He said that an additional Rs. 80 lakh has been sought from the Tourism Department for development works and added that Tourism Minister Anand Singh has responded positively.

Stating that Rs. 7 crore fund for the construction of a hospital at BBP has been sought and a proposal has been submitted in this regard to the Animal Husbandry Department and added that the Government has responded positively to it besides stating that the works on supplying Cauvery water to BBP would be completed soon.

BBP Executive Director Vanashri, Executive Engineer Nagendrappa, Deputy Director Harish, Elephant Supervisor Suresh, Forest Department officials, Veterinarians and others were present.