I WAS quite horrified to learn of the manner of the clouded leopard's death. According to Malacca Zoo's Dr Razeem's report (NST, Oct 22), the leopard had four bullet wounds — one in the forehead, the rest in the legs and stomach.

The shot in the forehead at close range was the fatal one. It was also reported that three rangers fired simultaneously.

This smacks of an "execution". As Dr Razeem said, there was no need to shoot the animal in the forehead as it had already been wounded by the other shots.

At only 24kg (about the size of a dog) it can hardly be considered lifethreatening.

A wildlife official said the rangers had no choice but to shoot when they came face to face with the leopard. Rubbish! They could have backed away. The leopard would probably have tried to escape.

Wildlife rangers must be well prepared and have the right objective — i.e to catch these animals safely.

The excuse that rangers cannot use tranquilliser guns in the jungle/forest is rather lame. If you can use a gun with bullets, what difference is there in using tranquilliser guns? You still aim to shoot from a gun.

MASHITAH ABD HAMID
Petaling Jaya

Disappointed at killing

MY wife and I are staying in Penang for a few days following visits to Kuala Lumpur and the Cameron Highlands.

Your country is beautiful in all senses of the word, and we have enjoyed every moment. Thank you.

On a sad note though we were disappointed to read of the shooting of the clouded leopard. The protection of human beings is obviously important, but although I have no experience, I would have thought it unlikely that such animals would attack humans unless pro-voked, injured or cornered.

We were fortunate last year to stay near to, and visit daily, a tiger sanctuary in Rajasthan, India. We never did see a tiger but we did see a fullgrown leopard stalking a deer.

Apparently people living in a village within the sanctuary live without interference from their big cat neighbours. No criticism of the rangers intended — as a visitor here I don't have the right — only sadness.

GEOF SHAW
Nottingham
England