Chaitraly Deshmukh Tajane
The leopard, fondly called Simba, was rescued by Wildlife SOS and the Forest Department. Almost a year ago, villagers from the Kolwade Village located in Sangamner range of Maharashtra found a lone leopard cub being chased by a pack of feral dogs. Trained in preliminary protocol, the villagers immediately contacted the Maharashtra Forest Department.
The Wildlife SOS team operating out of the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Junnar division was called in for reinforcements. The expansion of the sugarcane plantations in Maharashtra is slowly encroaching upon the wildlife animals’ territory. These displaced felines utilize the tall sugarcane grass to.camouflage. Consequently, the villagers often encounter cubs in these areas leading to potentially risky situations for both humans and leopards alike. Wildlife SOS veterinary doctor, Dr. Nikhil Bangar identified the cub as a 2-month-old male. An on-site medical examination also revealed that the cub had sustained a minor injury from the dog attack and he was also suffering from isolation.
