Leopard cub found in passenger's luggage at Indian airport

[♥ Lily ♥]

Leopard cub found in passenger's luggage at Indian airport

02/02/19


The leopard cub was hidden in a plastic grocery basket

An air passenger who arrived in India from Thailand has been detained at the airport after customs officers found a month-old leopard cub in his luggage.

Suspicions were raised when officials heard noises coming from his bag, which was found to contain the 2.2lb (1kg) cub hidden in a plastic grocery basket.

The man had arrived at Chennai airport on Saturday on a flight from Bangkok.

Authorities are investigating whether the suspect is part of an international smuggling ring, officials told AFP.

The 45-year-old, who has not yet been officially named, was said to have been "evasive in his replies" when questioned about his luggage by customs officers.


Airport officials said the cub looked "weak"

"The animal was in a state of shock and was making trill sounds, and appeared to be weak," airport officials said.

Footage captured at the airport showed officials bottle-feeding the leopard cub milk.

Following an assessment by veterinarians, the tiny cat was later taken to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai, where it will be cared for, India's NDTV reported.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-47103009

[♥ Lily ♥]

Very cruel and sad. The poor cub must be terrified after being cruelly abducted and stolen from its mother. The mother leopard must also be feeling anxious and distressed at having her cub stolen by a sick and heartless person.