Severely injured female leopard alpana is on the road to recovery
In early November, 9-year-old female leopard Alpana met with an unfortunate accident in Niphad, Nashik.
Female Leopard Alpana: At a crucial time for conservation efforts, a 9-year-old female leopard named Alpana has become the focal point of resilience under the dedicated care of Wildlife SOS. Alpana’s journey began when she became a victim of a car accident in Niphad, Nashik district of Maharashtra, which led to severe injuries and paralysis. Alpana is currently undergoing treatment at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre, which is jointly managed by Wildlife SOS and the Maharashtra Forest Department.
In early November, a 9-year-old female leopard, Alpana, met with an unfortunate accident in Niphad, Nashik, a district in Maharashtra. Following the accident, Alpana was immediately taken to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center by the forest department and Wildlife SOS staff for further treatment and care.
Alpana’s injuries were severe, characterized by profuse bleeding from her genitals and suspected spinal trauma, which left her paralyzed and limited to minimal neck movement. The severity of her condition necessitated immediate and comprehensive intervention.
Under the dedicated care of Wildlife SOS veterinarians and caregivers, Alpana underwent carefully planned treatment. Initial drug stabilization was followed by laser therapy to address her immobility, allowing gradual improvements in limb movement. As Alpana recovered from her paralysis, she was then given oral medications that were integral to her comprehensive recovery, focusing on vital aspects such as intestinal health, limb movements and restoring the condition of her coat.
Dr. Chandan Sawane, veterinary officer at Wildlife SOS, said: “The cause of Alpana’s injuries underlines the dangerous encounters leopards face in close proximity to human activities. As a holistic care strategy, Alpana takes regular walks. When she regained her strength, the caregivers plowed the ground in her enclosure, which made her foot easier during walks.”
Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said: “Categorized as a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, leopards are inherently elusive animals and instinctively avoid human contact. The relentless encroachment of their natural habitat, which has led to habitat modification, has left leopards struggling to survive in shrinking forested areas.”
Amit Bhise, assistant conservator of forests at Junnar, said: “As the most adaptable big cats, leopards can often venture into human-dominated landscapes. In such cases, they may face such unfortunate circumstances. But thanks to the joint efforts of the forest department and Wildlife SOS, the leopard is now on the road to recovery.”