Leopard cub reunited with mother after being rescued from a sugar cane farm

The cub, about one and a half months old, was discovered by a vigilant farmer, who immediately reported the sighting to the forest department.

Wildlife SOS veterinarians at the sanctuary identified the cub as a female.

Leopard cub, mother reunited: In an exciting wildlife rescue operation, a leopard cub was successfully reunited with its mother after being found near a sugarcane field in Nagapur, located in the Manchar Forest Range. The cub, about one and a half months old, was discovered by an alert farmer who immediately reported the sighting to the forest department, setting off a chain of events that led to the cub’s rescue, treatment and eventual reunion.

The incident took place in Nagapur where a female leopard cub was found near a sugarcane field, injured and in distress. The farmer, realizing the need for immediate intervention, contacted the Maharashtra Forest Department, which quickly responded to the call for help. The leopard cub was transported to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center – jointly managed by Wildlife SOS and the Maharashtra Forest Department – for a comprehensive health assessment and treatment.

Wildlife SOS veterinarians at the sanctuary identified the cub as a female, approximately 45 days old, with minor wounds and scratches on her paws. In addition, she showed signs of dullness and dehydration. Laser therapy was also performed on the wounds and ointments were applied to aid the healing process.

After a day of attentive care, the leopard cub, now in improved health, was deemed ready for the crucial step of being reunited with her mother. She was carefully placed in a secure box in the field where she was initially found. Camera traps were strategically deployed in the area to closely monitor the reunification process. To the joy and relief of all involved, the mother leopard appeared within an hour. She approached the crate, looked at her cub and, without hesitation, gently picked her up by the scruff of the neck. The pair retreated into the surrounding wilderness, marking a successful reunion.

Dr. Sharing insights into the treatment process, Akhilesh Dhage, veterinary officer at Wildlife SOS, said: “We focused on providing the cub with the necessary medical care, including fluid therapy to address dehydration and laser therapy for her wounds. After ensuring her good health, we returned to the field to initiate the reunion process.”

Sandesh Patil, assistant conservator of forests, Junnar division, said, “When we received information about the presence of the cub in the sugarcane field, our team immediately swung into action to transport the cub to Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center for treatment. We are grateful for the collective efforts that led to the successful reunification, which ensured the cub’s well-being and its return to the wild.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-Founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS said, “This latest operation shows the continued impact of our conservation efforts. Each reunion contributes to the conservation of the leopard population in the wild and plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate ecological balance. Wildlife SOS remains steadfast in its mission to protect and conserve India’s rich biodiversity, thereby ensuring harmonious coexistence between humans and leopards.”