Through the dense greenery of the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) peeks the sun, revealing a sleek coat of rosettes that knows how to remain perfectly camouflaged. This exquisite coat belongs to Lila, a ravishing feline, who takes gracefully measured steps as she moves around her field. Lila’s long whiskers are helping her sense the change in air currents as the monsoon winds blow. She and her kind have an excellent night vision and an acute olfactory sense, and these sensory superpowers keep them active and alert. Along with her senses, Lila also employs her natural physical traits with finesse. She climbs the trees inside her field effortlessly, with her claws gripping the trunk, leaving her mark. She knows her enclosure intimately, with each path and hidden corner etched into her memory.
Lila arrived at MLRC in August of 2016, exactly eight years ago. The day she was brought in was marked by torrential downpour, mirroring the traumatic circumstances that had unexpectedly disrupted her life in the wild. Lila was just three years old then, and had been rescued from a human-animal conflict. Our team’s aim was to avoid any negative repercussions, and rehabilitate Lila without compromising her natural instincts. Though the leopard was found under dark clouds — literally and figuratively — saving Lila sure served as a silver lining.
Lila’s resilience shone as she recovered from distress. She is now 11 years old, and has strongly maintained her inherent regality. Beneath the elegant, spotted fur is a feisty feline that takes long leaps across her field. She climbs on to high branches of trees to bask in the sun, and is quick to embrace their shade as soon as it begins to rain.
Leopards have an exceptional hearing that is five times sharper than what a human can hear. Yet, staff photographers at MLRC make an attempt to listen to the slightest sound of rustling in the hope of locating Lila as she navigates her field. The majestic animal manages to avoid the limelight by cleverly dodging the camera holders!
Lila spends a number of hours on a heightened wooden platform that serves as an enrichment in her field. She begins her time here by stretching her entire body, and then places herself in a prone position. Her green-tinted eyes are wide open when she keenly observes her surroundings. After thoroughly examining her field, Lila rests her head to take a short nap.
Lila shares her spacious enclosure with companions Sundari and Rani. Though she chooses to remain solitary for most part of her day, Lila always comes together with the pair during meal times. They bond with each other as they savour their shared food. The trio was earlier a quartet, with Julie being the fourth friend. Her passing away has certainly left a palpable void in the group, but caregivers note how the three companions peacefully maintain their alliance, with Rani keeping a watchful eye over the rest.
At MLRC, maintaining the welfare of resident leopards is paramount for the team. Like the rest of the leopards, Lila’s upkeep involves a standard procedure of deworming that takes place every three months. Along with all rehabilitated leopards, she also receives an annual vaccination to prevent the occurrence of viral diseases.
This year, Wildlife SOS celebrates Lila’s 8th rescue anniversary. Time has flown by as we’ve watched this perturbed feline find confidence in her surroundings that are akin to the wild. While she retains her natural instincts, she also reveals her playful side when she engages in various activities throughout the day, one of which is pacing through the aerial pathway called the skywalk that has been created in her enclosure.
It is when Lila calms down and sits after such ventures that the staff photographers are given the chance to capture delightful shots of her. Lila radiates her grace and leaves us all in awe of her presence. The team works round-the-clock to look after her and the leopards rescued from adverse situations at the centre. You too can support and contribute to the care of leopards like Lila by donating towards their care.
