SHANGHAI: A leopard remained at large in eastern China on Monday after escaping from a safari park with two fellow big cats, sparking a frenzy among web-users who have shared pictures and video of the spotted felines roaming tea plantations in the area. Residents of the city of Hangzhou first reported seeing a leopard on the loose on Friday, with the safari park only acknowledging the escapes after the news went viral. Local officials said Monday that five people associated with the attraction — including its general manager — had been detained and that police had launched an investigation into the incident. Chinese zoos and wildlife parks frequently face criticism over recurring revelations of horrific conditions for animals or deadly incidents blamed on lax management. The Hangzhou park has been temporarily closed.

Source: Manila Times May 10, 2021 05:26 UTC