TEHRAN — Hircan, a female leopard who had spent two years in captivity, was released in Golestan National Park on August 23, IRNA news agency reported on Saturday.

Two years ago two cubs who were later named Hircan and Varcan were found and delivered to the Golestan province Department of Environment (DoE), living in captivity since then.

As female leopard appeared to be more ready to live in the wild and survive the department first set her free and is keeping close tab on her.

“Using satellites to observe Hircan, we found out she has so far succeeded in recognizing the immediate environment, drinking water and taking some rests,” deputy director of Golestan province DoE Mojtaba Hosseini explained.

It takes some time for all animals including leopard to mark their territories and start to hunt, Hosseini noted.

“We are planning on monitoring Hircan for a month consistently,” he said, adding, “Varcan, the male leopard, is also scheduled to be released in case the female leopard shows signs of compatibility with the environment.”

MQ/MG