Spotlight On: Mighty & Magnificent Manisha

Cradled in the lap of nature, lies the tranquil expanse of the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) and here, with an aura of resilience and elegance, reigns Manisha, a remarkable leopard rescued from the clutches of an escalating human-wildlife conflict situation. On March 14, 2020, forest officials from Rahuri district in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra sought the intervention of Wildlife SOS as Manisha’s life teetered on the brink of uncertainty. Today, at nearly 10 years of age, she continues to flourish under our expert team’s meticulous care at MLRC.

Manisha has effortlessly adapted to her environment at the centre, where she can showcase her instincts with grace and strength. The enrichments specifically designed in her enclosure promote her innate feline instincts, which she displays with precision.

Manisha is a highly alert leopard. She uses her keen sense of hearing to detect any sudden movement and keeps a close watch on her surroundings to know what caused it. We must admit that when it comes to camouflaging, Manisha is an expert! While observing her surroundings, she disappears within the tall grasses, stumping even the experienced eyes of her caregivers. Crouching low, her tawny coat blends in perfectly with her landscape, concealing her within dense foliage.

When our team members attempt to locate Manisha, they know that searching only the undergrowth would certainly not be enough. The agile feline is often seen gracefully seated atop logs or elevated platforms placed in her enclosure, from where she keeps a vigilant eye on her field. Manisha exudes an air of majesty that defines her, and her energy reveals her bold spirit.

Manisha adheres to a meticulously curated dietary regimen that ensures her continued vitality. She relishes her healthy and nutritious meals, often gobbling up her food in the blink of an eye!

Despite her seemingly delicate frame, she weighs 45 kg and exudes power, prowess and agility. As part of her overall welfare, the veterinary team prescribes a deworming procedure every three months. Along with the rest of the leopards at the centre, she also receives annual vaccinations to safeguard her against rabies and viral infections and potential ailments. These proactive measures ensure that Manisha remains in peak physical condition, allowing her to thrive at MLRC.

Manisha’s story serves as a poignant reminder of how wildlife is losing its habitat and prey to relentless encroachment. This pushes territorial predator species like leopards closer to human settlements. Lack of this awareness leads to most conflict situations resulting in fearful retaliation, however, Manisha was fortunate to be rescued and brought to an environment where she is given care and protection.

We are dedicated towards our service to rescued leopards like Manisha. Each day, we ensure that these magnificent animals continue to lead dignified lives with us and this is where you can help. Manisha is a conflict survivor, and her story is a grim reminder of how keystone species are fast losing their natural habitats.  Your contributions can sustain their care, safeguarding their future. As the world’s most renowned zoologist, Dr. Jane Goodall says – “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

Feature Image: Akash Dolas/Wildlife SOS