Wildlife authorities in India have captured a leopard almost 36 hours after it was first spotted in an auto factory.
Rescuers tranquilized the animal after an enormous search operation at Maruti Suzuki’s factory in Manesar town, not far from the capital, Delhi.
The big cat was first spotted at an early stage Thursday early morning on CCTV, and made a number of other appearances after that.
Nightshift workers left the building and part of the sprawling factory complex was shut down.
The automobile plant is the biggest in India, producing nearly a million vehicle annually.
When thousands of morning workers got there, they were required to stand outdoors and wait while 12 forest department employees and about 50 policemen were deployed in the investigation.
The big cat was caught on CCTV in the engine department, which covers 6 acres.
A local reporter at the scene informed the BBC that rescuers had brought in two live goats and raw meat to lure the animal out of hiding.
Some people also attempted throwing firecrackers in a bid to remove the big cat, wildlife conservator Vinod Kumar informed the Press Trust of India.
However after the leopard was found and tranquilised its safety was ensured, the authorities informed the BBC.
“The leopard has been taken to hospital for medical examination and will be released later into the wild,” R Anand, Deputy Conservator of Forests in the Delhi suburban area of Gurgaon, informed the BBC on Friday afternoon.
