• The images were taken by British nature photographer Stuart Benson
• The big cat hides on an Indian hill in Rajasthan known as Leopard Hills

By Taryn Pedler

Published: 08:01 EDT, March 19, 2024 | Updated: 1:14 PM EDT, March 19, 2024

During the sugarcane harvest season, the meowing of leopard cubs in the fields is a common sound.

Nature conservation: In an exciting wildlife rescue operation, a female leopard cub was successfully reunited with its mother after she was found near a sugarcane field in Waghale village, located in the Shirur Forest Range of Maharashtra. The cub, estimated to be almost two months old, was discovered by a vigilant farmer who immediately notified forest rangers, setting off a chain of events that led to the cub’s rescue, treatment and eventual reunion by Wildlife SOS and Junnar forest department.

During the sugarcane harvest season, the meowing of leopard cubs in the fields is a common sound. In a recent incident that occurred in Waghale village on Sunday, a female leopard cub was found in distress in a sugarcane field. The farmer, realizing the need for immediate intervention, contacted the Maharashtra Forest Department, which quickly responded to the call for help.

After being informed by the forest department officials, the teams of Wildlife SOS and Junnar forest division, along with the veterinarians, traveled nearly 70 km to reach the rescue site. After an extensive health assessment, the team identified the cub as a female, almost 2 months old, with minor wounds and scratches on her paws. In addition, she showed signs of dullness and dehydration.

Dr. Sharing insights into the cub’s treatment, Adithyan N, Wildlife SOS Veterinary Officer said: “We focused on providing the cub with the necessary medical care, including fluid therapy to address dehydration and ointments in the form of topical medication for the wounds. After ensuring her good health, we carefully placed the cub in a safe box and immediately started the reunion process.”

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 that same evening. After assessing the area, she approached the crate, identified her cub and gently lifted her by the scruff of the neck. The heartwarming moment was caught on camera and the pair retreated into the wilderness, marking a successful reunion.

Amit Bhise, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Junnar Division said, “We are happy that the joint efforts resulted in the timely treatment and successful reunion of the cub with its mother. As it is the sugarcane harvesting season, we urge all farmers to inform local forest rangers if they see leopard cubs. This will ensure the well-being of the cub and its return to the wild.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS said, “The quick initial response of the local farmer and the subsequent efforts of Wildlife SOS and the forest department show the impact of joint efforts. Each reunion contributes to a healthy leopard population in the wild and plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate ecological balance in the natural environment of that area.”

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

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.”

LEOPARD print is back with a vengeance – and fashionistas are loving it and getting on board with the trend.

It’s a wonder EastEnders’ Kat Slater didn’t rise from her faux fur wardrobe to rejoice when Dior unveiled its spicy revamp at Paris Fashion Week.

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Models stormed the catwalk in the French design house’s bold autumn/winter collection, including polka dot print split skirts, statement berets and tailored two-piece short suits, left,

Leopard print has been popular in Hollywood since the 1930s, when handsome actor Johnny Weissmuller donned furry pants for Tarzan The Ape Man.

It was wild, it was spicy, and women wanted to make it their own.
Radiated refinement

Everyone wanted a piece of the pattern.

Actresses like Bette Davis added the sassy print to their wardrobe.

In the 1940s, Elizabeth Taylor took it one step further and wore a spotted swimsuit for a photo shoot.

Since then the hype has never really stopped.

Flash forward to the swinging sixties, when Dior scored rich and famous fans Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe, who stepped out in their glamorous, spotty faux fur and gave ladies the power to make an exotic and sexy statement.

Unfortunately, blockbuster The Graduate added a messy edge to the high-profile trend.

No one wanted to look like a trophy wife – and yet the style persisted.

But there is a fine line between chic and shabby.

No one dared to say “That Don’t Impress Me Much” to Shania Twain’s enchanting song in the 1990s.

And while Mel B could get away with rugged, stained knee-high boots, we’re not so sure about the army of Spice Girls fans who wore them in their local area.

TV soaps lowered the appeal even further, with EastEnders’ Pat Butcher in loud shirts and Bet Lynch chain smoking in her leopard faux fur coat on Corrie.

The great debate continues over whether the trend is messy or tasteful, but you have to admit there’s a bit of zig-a-zig-ah to it.

And if you do it right, you can look fantastic, as model Kate Moss has proven time and time again.

The supermodel’s style has exuded refinement for forty years.

In 2019, she turned heads at Paris Fashion Week in a metallic spotted dress.

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Clearly designers have taken notice, as animal prints have become increasingly popular on the catwalks in recent seasons, with subtle, understated looks inspired by Hollywood’s golden age.

And celebrities are following suit. Over the past year, we’ve seen superstar Jennifer Lopez, 54, rock a blindingly spotty, figure-hugging number from Valentino, while Kim Kardashian got her claws in head-to-toe couture from Alaia.

Rosamund Pike, Halle Berry, Selma Blair, Winnie Harlow, Daisy Lowe, Irina Shayk and Myleene Klass have all also given their safari spots their seal of approval.

Meanwhile, Sofia Vergara has kept her spot game strong since her breathtaking portrayal of a real-life Colombian cartel boss in the Netflix series Griselda.

But as jungle prints trickle onto the high street – with leopard-themed Adidas x Wales Bonner samba sneakers flying off the shelves and high street stores serving up the polka dot patterns – it’s a tightrope between looking stylishly spotty or a bit frumpy.

However, no one can doubt that the spots are back. . . fur real.

ROARSOME…BUT HOW DO US MORTALS BEAR IT?

By Tracey Lea Sayer, Fashion Director

WHEN a trend like leopard print has been around for as long as it has – think Jackie Kennedy in the 1960s, Debbie Harry in the 1970s and Kate Moss in the 1990s – you know it will never really go out of style.

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It lies dormant for a few seasons before designers dust it off and bring it back.

Given my 30 years of working in fashion, you would think I have a wardrobe bursting at the seams with leopard print, but no.

I’ve only ever owned a leopard print bikini, a vintage 60s jacket and a Vivienne Westwood mini skirt, so I can understand if you’re panicking that leopard print is back and difficult to wear – because I am too .

So let’s make this simple. There are two ways to wear the trend this season.

You either go for the mafia woman aesthetic: a big, striking leopard in a sexy, tight-fitting dress paired with big earrings and even bigger hair.

Or if you just want to hop on the bus and go to work, you can be a much more minimalist big cat of 2024.

If you’re a leopard print novice, maybe start small.

Leopard print is a real statement, so a good tip is to wear it on the part of your body that you want to draw the most attention to

Tracey Lea Sayer

Try a pair of leopard print ballet flats, worn with wide cropped jeans and a cute cardigan.

Or add a leopard print cross-body camera bag, perhaps over a short trench coat.

If you’re braver, try going half and half. Half printed, half plain.

A leopard print blouse looks great with neutral, black, beige or white wide-leg trousers.

Or try cool jeans with leopard print, which gives your outfit a Scandinavian touch.

And remember: anyone can wear this trend, regardless of size or age.

Leopard print is a real statement, so a good tip is to wear it on the part of your body that you want to draw the most attention to.

If you love your bust, a leopard print blouse would look great.

There is also a clever trick with the size of the print.

If you’re petite, larger prints can drown your frame, so go smaller, while if you have a fuller figure, larger prints will accentuate your glorious curves.

If you’re really brave, you can go from head to toe.

I love the idea of ​​this luxurious print for a special occasion, like a birthday. Leopard on leopard will definitely catch your eye.

And forget everyone who says you’re too old.

Leopard is an eternal print and age is just a number.

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Married At First Sight's Mel Schilling is enjoying a well-deserved vacation while recovering from treatment for colon cancer.

The 50-year-old, who is part of the expert panel on the popular dating show, underwent surgery just before Christmas.

The reality TV presenter stunned in a low-cut leopard print dress as she enjoyed the warm weather in the Canary Islands.

The relationship expert shared photos of herself posing up a storm on a rooftop of her property in Tenerife – the archipelago's largest island.

In another photo, she can be seen cuddling with her eight-year-old daughter Maddie as they soak in the sun together.

Mel also shared a group selfie with her husband Gareth and friends, showing she is enjoying her new life since her cancer treatment.

The reality TV host revealed her shock health struggles in December, undergoing intestinal surgery just before the end of the year.

She explained that her tumor – which she has named 'Terry' – had been removed by British doctors.

'So yesterday afternoon I had keyhole surgery to remove my tumor (aka Terry) and in the words of my wonderful surgeon it couldn't have gone better!' Mel said at the time.

It accompanied a photo of the TV star in a hospital bed, giving a thumbs up with a tube in her nose.

She added: 'Crucially, the cancer had not spread to my abdominal cavity, which was our biggest fear, but was completely localized to my colon.'

“I'll be discussing my treatment plan over the next few days, but suffice it to say, Terry is ready!”

Mel then revealed that her treatment had taken place in London and went on to praise the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

“I also wanted to say that everyone in Britain should be incredibly proud of the people of the NHS,” she added.

'The NHS is a unique, valuable institution and we need to ensure it is there to serve our children and our children's children.

“Now it's time to focus on getting out of here in time for Christmas.”

Mel, who appears on the British and Australian versions of the show, revealed she had colon cancer in an Instagram post on December 19.

She posted a photo of herself hugging her husband Gareth, 51, and their daughter, alongside the caption: “You have cancer.” Three little words that everyone fears, but no one ever expects to hear.

'Last Thursday my consultant told me those three words.'

She said she was diagnosed just a month after she started feeling pain in her stomach while filming the upcoming eleventh season of MAFS Australia.

'About a month ago, while I was filming in Australia, I started having severe stomach cramps on set. “I put it down to all the traveling I did and the disruption it caused in my system,” she explained.

'I saw my GP in Sydney and he put it down to constipation, gave me some laxatives and sent me away.'

Despite her doctor's initial assessment, Mel said she knew her condition was more serious and booked herself a scan when she traveled to Britain.

“On Thursday I was diagnosed with colon cancer and in an instant my entire life changed,” she wrote.

In addition to the British version, Mel recently returned to screens alongside fellow experts John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla for the eleventh season of the Australian version of the popular dating show.

Oti Mabuse looked in good spirits as she left Saturday Kitchen after appearing on the morning hit show.

The strict professional, 33, showed off her stylish fashion sense as she donned a gray floating leopard print shirt dress.

Keeping warm, the dancer teamed the dress with a black turtleneck and navy blue leggings as she beamed as she left the studios.

The new mother recently opened up about the “traumatic” birth of her first child earlier this week after she and her husband Marius Lepure announced the arrival of her daughter in a Christmas Instagram post.

Still, it looked like Oti had a break from parental duties on Saturday as she enjoyed some fantastic food with fellow guest Big Zuu and host Matt Tebbutt.

The star completed the look with black lace-up Dr. Martens, while she wore her hair in beautiful curls.

As Oti prepared to get into her taxi, she gave the British rapper a huge hug as the pair said their goodbyes.

Oti took to Instagram after her appearance on the show and thanked the team as she gushed over the surprise chocolate cake they treated her to.

She wrote: 'Thank you @saturday.kitchen for having me lovely way to start a Saturday morning with lovely people, amazing food and drinks (even if I only had water) AND A SURPRISING CHOCOLATE CAKE'.

Oti and Big Zuu even enjoyed a dance together in the studio, as Saturday Kitchen captioned the post: 'Big Zuu for Strictly'.

Another hilarious photo saw Matt lying on the floor with his legs crossed while Oti sat on the TV chef to help him stretch his glutes.

As the cast burst into laughter, Oti wrote: “Helping Matt with his glutes. They're tight'.

Earlier this week, Oti shared details of the 'traumatic' birth of her first child, explaining that her daughter had passed awayI was born 'very premature' and had to spend six weeks in hospital before finally being discharged just before Christmas.

Describing her 16-hour labor, the star said her daughter, whose name she has not revealed, was taken away for tests immediately after birth.

Oti, whose husband is fellow dancer Marius Iepure, was diagnosed with sepsis during childbirth and as a result her daughter suffered infections, leading to a six-week stay in the NICU.

“She was very premature, she came very, very early – unexpectedly premature, which was a big, big shock,” she told the newspaper Happy Mom Happy Baby podcast.

“Going through the emotional trauma that you go through when you have a premature baby, and then being in the hospital with the little one for six weeks and then finally coming out and having her home with friends and family for Christmas, was a lot of fun.”

Oti said her baby – who was born in a British hospital last autumn – was in a “critical” condition during a “traumatic” first six weeks.

“She had infections because it turned out I had sepsis and it's something that has been overlooked or not tested for,” she explained. However, she was very grateful for the care her baby received. “The NHS, midwives, doctors and consultants have been amazing,” she added.

Despite an initially seamless pregnancy that left her feeling 'sexy' and 'empowered' and her skin 'glowing', she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 28 weeks, before premature birth.

“When I first saw her I was shocked that I had done it, and she was the most beautiful human being I had ever seen in my life – beautiful,” she said.

“That moment when you're so happy and you feel elated and it lasted sixteen hours, and then they're taken away.

'Because now, born very small, very small, they had to check for infections, whether her lungs are good enough, whether she can eat on her own, whether all her organs have developed and are good enough.'

If you've been rocking the mafia woman aesthetic lately or just thinking about it, you can't complete the look just by putting on an outfit that you think is appropriate. You definitely need the shoes for it too. If you don't, you are not giving effectively Sopranos-like style. A great way to do that is by wearing a pair of leopard print boots that we think are super funky, and you will too.

However, these are not just any pair of boots. The Coach Carter Haircalf Bootie looks like you pulled it off a mafia wife herself as she kicked and screamed to see the captured husband, when she realized she had to if she wanted the payments to keep coming in. And besides, honestly, who doesn't love a leopard print moment? We're a little obsessed with these shoes and we're not going to lie.

Grab the Coach Carter hair calf boot for only $236 at Zappos!

These boots have a zipper on the side and a pointed toe to serve even harder. They have molded heels, a hair calf upper and a leather footbed to keep you as comfortable as possible. All this, and the bold print on the outside is super eye-catching, even if you see it all the way down the street! You have to appreciate that.

The heel also has some time. Look how cool it is – and it can take you (and your fashion) to new heights, which can only be a good thing. If you think that sounds good, just pay $236 and grab a pair of these impossibly awesome Coach boots and wear them with your favorite mafia wife looks.

Or simply wear these boots with your regular wardrobe. They can always take it a step further, and everyone needs such a great addition to their shoe collection.

Grab the Coach Carter hair calf boot for only $236 at Zappos!

The leopard, now in the care of Wildlife SOS, is receiving medical treatment at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre.

Leopard rescue: Wildlife SOS responded quickly to an emergency call from the Maharashtra Forest Department about a male leopard involved in a road accident on the Pune-Nashik highway. The leopard, now in the care of Wildlife SOS, is receiving medical treatment at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center (MLRC), which is jointly managed by Wildlife SOS and the forest department.

After receiving a call from the Maharashtra Forest Department late at night, the rescue team of Wildlife SOS and Junnar Forest Division promptly reached Kalamb in the Manchar forest range, where the injured leopard was discovered. When the team arrived on site, they were faced with a difficult situation. A huge crowd had gathered and blocked the road to witness the incident. As a result, the injured leopard was in an extremely excited state due to the surrounding howls and howls caused by the audience.

The rescue team assessed the situation and successfully tranquilized the injured big cat with a dart gun. The leopard, estimated to be five years old, was then carefully placed in a trap cage and transported for immediate medical care.

Once at the leopard rescue facility, the cat underwent a thorough examination, which revealed severe head trauma, a broken lower jaw, and broken canines and incisors. The leopard is currently receiving supportive therapy, oral medication and antibiotics. Although the leopard is in the recovery position, it is eating well.

Dr. Chandan Sawane, veterinary officer at Wildlife SOS, said: “The leopard's injuries were serious, including a broken lower jaw and fractures to both canines and incisors. Our immediate focus is on providing necessary medical care and recovery support. We also provide him with the necessary food for his comfort.”

Amit Bhise, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Junnar Division, said, “The timely response of Wildlife SOS and Junnar Forest Division was crucial in dealing with the situation. Working together ensures a better outcome for the injured leopard and emphasizes the importance of high-quality veterinary care.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said: “This serious incident highlights the harsh reality of road accidents and wildlife, all a consequence of the expanding urban landscape. As habitats shrink and highways continue to cross these animals' natural habitats, the risk of such incidents increases. Wildlife SOS remains committed to addressing the challenges arising from infrastructure expansion, providing immediate assistance to wildlife in need.”

The outfits of the guests at Kate Moss's 50th birthday party in Paris last week were as decadent as the event undoubtedly was. Black lace (Kate), faux fur (Charlotte Tilbury) and animal print (Stella McCartney) ruled.

It was a masterclass in the flashy aesthetic trend on social media and on the high street – a loud rejection of good taste and 'quiet luxury'.

Twenty-somethings call it 'mafia wife', but we think of it more as Trophy Girlfriend, with a touch of Lottery Winner.

Afraid that the look, whisper it, is a little vulgar? Well, from head to toe, for sure. But most of all it's flattering and a lot of fun, a chance to break away from beige and steal the spotlight.

So step away from stealth wealth. welcome to the era of loud luxury…

SUPERSIZE SUNSHINE

Every accessory with the “I only turn left on airplanes” semaphores is Loud Luxe approved. A giant tortoise or black sunglasses match perfectly. And the irony of dark glasses in winter matches the unwavering self-confidence of the Loud Luxer

Formerly a lover of stealth wealth, Kelly Rutherford is a big fan of statement sunglasses, now paired with another statement staple: faux fur. The former Gossip Girl actress also proves that the trend works for both midlifers and millennials.

Rutherford is 55 and perfectly demonstrates that the key to making the look less vulgar and more chic is all about combinations.

Head to her Instagram to see how she makes faux fur and life-size sunglasses suitable for everyday use by pairing them with unpretentious denim and knits.

Faux Fur: NO LONGER A FAUX PAS

When Jennifer Lawrence threw a vintage Bill Blass jacket over a buttery-soft velvet dress at the Golden Globes after-party this month, Loud Luxers drooled.

Because this was no less than a velvet, faux fur-trimmed Bill Blass leopard print coat. Hedonism in the form of a jacket and very Sharon Stone in Martin Scorsese's 1995 classic Casino.

Alexa Chung and Jenna Coleman are fans of the London brand Shrimps, responsible for bringing faux fur to the market with its colorful outerwear.

The Outnet has a beautiful chocolate brown shrimp coat, reduced from £650 to £357 (theoutnet.com). To spruce up an old coat or jumper, turn to Helen Moore (helenmoore.com) for faux fur collars and cuffs costing less than £50.

BET YOUR BOOTS

You know a trend is big news when Taylor Swift comes on board.

Earlier this month, the pop princess stepped out in a pair of £1,875 Jimmy Choo boots, which were all flashy. Ostentation for the feet.

In heels? Bill. Over the knee? Double check. Snakes painted on it? Triple check.

A more versatile option? Plain leather with heels or a suede boot to just above the knee. You'll find yourself grabbing these to wear under midi dresses during the week and tuck under jeans on the weekend.

GOLD FEVER

When it comes to jewelry that screams, it has to be gold. Whether it concerns layered necklaces, earrings such as chocolate coins or heavy watch straps and bracelets.

If you can't afford the real thing, the High Street is awash with costume pieces. For authentic vintage from the 80s – the heyday of gold – visit Susan Caplan (susancaplan.co.uk).

To avoid looking too Bet Lynch, wear one statement item: chunky gold earrings or necklace, never together. Rotary (rotarywatches.com) has a £289 dupe of Cartier's £21,000 gold Tank.

CHANGE YOUR PLACES

If the tiger print mini dress Stella McCartney wore to Kate Moss's party sounds too scary, animal print accessories are an easy way to add a touch of opulence to your wardrobe staples.

Try a leopard print belt or shoe for the perfect balance between appearance and taste.

For the daring, Albaray (albaray.co.uk) has reduced a leopard print coat to £130, which could pass for triple the price.

The most important thing is that no expense is spared on expensive details: with an oversized collar, tie belt, classic epaulettes and cuff straps. Too much – but in a good way.

By Laura Parkin for Mailonline

Published: 07:45 EST, January 20, 2024 | Updated: 07:49 EST, January 20, 2024