The Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) was started in 2007 by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department in Junnar, near Pune. The main purpose for establishing this centre was to provide a haven for one of India’s big cats – the leopard. Currently, MLRC houses 37 leopards, one of them being our very own Guru!
Guru was barely five-years-old when he became a victim of human-leopard conflict in Dingore, Maharashtra in 2016. With the help of the state forest department, the young leopard was safely brought to MLRC for long-term care. Since the past eight years, Guru has received kind attention at the facility. The large, charming cat resides in a field that closely resembles the wild.
The word “Guru” translates to teacher or a master, and Master Guru fits aptly into this given name! His caregivers agree that this fearless feline has a dominating presence at the centre. Guru spends a major part of his day roaming around his field, and engaging with the enrichments that have been designed and installed along his route. The wooden platform is his favourite, and acts as a throne on which regal Guru climbs and attentively watches his surroundings. After scrutinizing his vicinity, the 13-year-old can be seen drifting into sleep that often lasts for hours!
Along with this platform, Guru also has a wooden log in his enclosure on which he scratches his claws. Scratching is a natural behaviour for solitary leopards to mark and communicate their territory in the wild. Not only does this act keep their claws sharp, it helps them to stretch and exercise their muscles as well. The large number of trees present in Guru’s enclosure also provides him with ample opportunities to regularly scratch and file his nails.
At MLRC, leopards above the age of 12 are provided with geriatric care that is customized to suit the leopards’ specific needs and requirements. Aged leopards are prone to physical concerns such as joint issues and dental problems, which is why regular medical examinations are conducted by our team to address any condition on time. Guru, now in the 13th year of his life, is also receiving special medical attention to prevent the risk of potential ailments. Additionally, for his overall well-being, Guru receives a regular dose of health supplements that include multivitamins.
For all leopards under our care, faecal sample testing is also carried out every three months, which helps our medical team to detect untoward symptoms. Based on the results, an elaborate medical plan is devised if needed.
At our centre, the resident leopards are provided with rich and nourishing food five times a week, and Guru consumes his every meal with contentment. After a hearty intake, he can be seen cheerfully rolling around in the mud! He then slinks into the bushes or makes his way to his wooden platform for a long and pleasant nap.
Majestic Guru allocates fair time to his various daily activities. To exercise his body and mind, Guru walks around the enclosure and explores the enrichments along the way. He maintains his resplendent, rosetted coat by grooming himself thoroughly. And to conserve his energy, he punctuates his day frequently with catnaps! Our expert veterinarians and dedicated team of caregivers ensure that Guru is always well attended to.
Guru, and many leopards at our centre, have experienced situations that find their links to unfortunate consequences of habitat fragmentation. Our team provides medical attention and long-term care to leopards recovered from conflict scenarios. You too can help us in our endeavours to sustain rescued leopards’ welfare by becoming a sponsor!
