Leopard enters Mercedes Benz campus in Chakan
Chaitraly Deshmukh
In a shocking incident, a male leopard was found inside the Pune based Mercedes-Benz India’s production facility in Chakan area. Mercedes Benz India’s world class production facility spread over 100 acres in Chakan, played host to an unusual visitor on Monday morning. In a one-of-a-kind incident, the staff at the luxury automotive company was shocked to find a leopard prowling amidst their manufacturing unit. The distressed feline was successfully rescued in a meticulously carried out four-hour rescue operation by the Wildlife SOS and the Chakan Forest Department.
The leopard continues to be under medical observation with the Forest Department and will soon be released post medical treatment. Concerned for their safety as well as the wellbeing of the leopard, the security staff immediately contacted the Forest Department. The Wildlife SOS team operating out of the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre was promptly called in for reinforcements.
The four-member team from the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response unit led by Wildlife SOS Veterinary Officers, Dr. Nikhil Bangar and Dr. Shubham Patil was immediately rushed to the spot. As a first step, the team traced and located the leopard and secured the area. After following all safety protocols, Dr. Bangar tranquilized the leopard from a safe distance. The leopard was carefully shifted into a transportation cage and handed over to the Chakan Forest Department for further care.
Dr. Nikhil Bangar, Wildlife Veterinary Officer, Wildlife SOS, said, “The leopard was a male and may be of two to three years of age. We are grateful for the Forest Department that acted promptly and helped save the life of this leopard.”
Kartick Satyanarayan, CEO and the Co-founder of Wildlife SOS said, “Due to rapid habitat loss, leopards of Maharashtra are being forced to venture into human dominated areas. Our team is trained to ensure that such situations are handled with the utmost caution, keeping in mind the safety of the leopard as well as humans.”
Yogesh Mahajan, Range Forest Officer, Chakan Forest Department said, “The leopard is currently under medical observation and will be released back into its natural habitat.”
