Biologist Let A Leopard Bite Him to Protect 100s More

His career spanning 20 years as a wildlife biologist has never been uneventful. Sanjay Gubbi, who was part of many rescue operations, has had encounters with umpteen number of wild animals. But two days ago, he had a close shave with death when a leopard, which strayed into the premises of Vibgyor School at Marathahalli in east Bengaluru, pounced on him. It was Gubbi's presence of mind - he did not panic or fight back - that helped him escape from the jaws of death, say experts.

Left with 30 bite marks on his right thigh and arm, he underwent surgery at a private hospital in Whitefield.
Gubbi took to social media on Tuesday to tell the world the terrifying tale. In a Facebook note, posted by his wife, Gubbi said: "There's a chipped bone in the elbow and muscle tear in triceps. I underwent the first surgery last night and moved out of the intensive care unit. However, I have to spend a few days in the hospital as another surgery is planned later this week. I am grateful for the support given by friends, family, well-wishers and the media." He said "I allowed it to bite without trying to pull my arm from its jaw. Had I resisted, the injuries could have been more severe."

One of his close associates told TOI that it was the first time Gubbi was attacked by a leopard.

"I didn't expect the leopard to jump from the wall of that height. It all happened in a few seconds and the leopard was in front of me before I could react. It escaped from the net so quickly and ran towards the forest department staff. As there was no escape route, I decided to climb the gate. But my effort went in vain as the animal pulled me down. Then it went on biting my right shoulder. I tried my best to keep myself calm till the leopard was given a tranquilliser shot. I kept my cool and tried to scare away the animal with the binocular and the torch which I had in my hand. Luckily, I succeeded," Gubbi has said.

Another associate said Gubbi was administered 34 stitches and it might take six to eight weeks for complete recovery. "He gets fever frequently due to the wounds," she added