Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center provides much-needed love and support to spotted big cats

The Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center currently houses 39 leopards, almost 60% of which are under geriatric care.

(L) Jaya was rescued as a cub in 2008 and is now almost 16 years old. (C) Shankar, a male leopard rescued in 2008, walks through his enclosure. (R) The case of Ganesh and Vitthal, who suffer from physical disabilities, is a rare instance of two male leopards spending companionship with each other.

Leopard Rescue Center: Maharashtra’s first leopard sanctuary, located in Junnar, Pune district, is a sanctuary for many older leopards who spend their lives in rescued care. The Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre, jointly managed by Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS, currently houses 39 leopards, of which nearly 60% are under geriatric care.

Most of the animals living at the sanctuary had been the target of human-leopard conflict, attempted poaching by human traffickers, or had been orphaned in the wild. Rescued from an uncertain fate, the leopards under the care of Wildlife SOS and Junnar Forest Division have turned their lives around. They have spent most of their lives in an almost natural environment, supplemented with veterinary care, medical treatment and healthy food.

Ganesh and Vitthal, two male leopards who live together, are not only old but also have several disabilities. While Ganesh is completely blind, Vitthal is missing a hind leg. Caring for elderly leopards with disabilities is therefore more challenging, but the care staff at the sanctuary are always up to the task. While the caretakers prepare olfactory and food enrichments for the blind Ganesh, structural enrichments such as platforms are built at lower levels, taking into account Vitthal’s physical deficiencies.

A leopard enters the final stages of its life from the age of 12, although this age group varies from species to species. For the leopards, this is the stage where they encounter more dental problems, joint problems and a marked change in their overall behavior and personality. Even for the leopards that have grown old under the care of Wildlife SOS and Junnar Forest Division, the change is absolutely evident.

Dr. Chandan Sawane, veterinary officer at Wildlife SOS said: “Leopards suffer from dental problems such as broken teeth, plaque build-up and tartar and root problems. These problems hinder their ability to chew food properly. Unable to eat, they suffer from severe loss of appetite, which compromises their immunity. We perform regular dental checkups to clear out the tar and check for half-broken teeth or blunt canines that could be a problem.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-Founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS said, “Currently, there are more than 35 leopards residing at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre, of which almost 60% are geriatric. That is why our team is meticulous about medical care, diet and health checks to ensure the well-being of the older leopards.”

Amit Bhise, assistant conservator of forests at Junnar, said, “The leopard sanctuary has been in existence at Junnar since 2007 and acts as a sanctuary for animals that cannot return to the wild. The number of rescued leopards currently under geriatric care demonstrates the efforts of the forest department and Wildlife SOS to provide them with a long and healthy life.”