Nisha’s life began in a world that wasn’t natural for a wild leopard cub. Instead of a sheltered den in the forest, Nisha and her sibling Usha were born under the aegis of Maharashtra forest officials after their mother, Asha, had been rescued from human-wildlife conflict. Far from the wilderness, rearing of the cubs could not include the tactics that are needed to survive in their original habitat. However, to ensure that the three leopards receive constant care in an environment akin to the forest, Nisha and her sister Usha, along with Asha, were relocated to Wildlife SOS’s Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) in 2013. By this time, the two sisters had crossed the age of two, and as young adults, were no longer entirely dependent on their mother.
Nisha was welcomed to the lush landscape of the centre, where she could delightfully explore and develop her inherent behaviour. For their loving bond to continue to flourish, Nisha, Usha and Asha were rehabilitated in separate, yet interconnected, enclosures. This gave Nisha the affectionate company of her sister and mother, along with the comfort of her own solitary time.
Nisha was found to be a calm and docile leopard, and much like her mother, would navigate her surroundings with grace. Nisha and Usha would also closely observe how their mother would engage with enrichments or blend seamlessly within her surroundings. From Asha, Nisha also learnt about the right spots to climb on, from where she could get a vast, holistic view.
Nisha, alongside her expressive sister Usha, would often spring across their spacious enclosures, engage in grooming sessions, and bask under the warm sun. However, the tragic loss of Usha last year left Nisha bereft of not only a sister, but a constant companion as well. Sensitive to her preference for solitude, the compassionate staff at the centres tends to Nisha’s current needs.
Caregivers at the center ensure perfect maintenance of the multiple wooden platforms in her field to encourage her solo activities, thus allowing Nisha to safely use them. After climbing on one with expertise, Nisha indulges in a prolonged session of self-grooming. She then tends to find the spot where the brightest rays of the sun peek through the foliage, and settles there to relax. When the sunbathing session is complete, she leaves the platform to find a cool shade under a tree, or skilfully camouflages within the dense greenery of her field.
Now at over 13 years of age, nimble Nisha is a charming, geriatric leopard, and is receiving constant care by our devoted staff. Every three months, our veterinary team conducts faecal analysis and deworming to monitor her ongoing health. Caregivers closely monitor her temperament to promptly inform the veterinarians if they observe any changes. They follow these steps to ensure that they duly address any noted symptoms to prevent distress. Nisha continues to be a healthy and active feline, and strolls through her field with an unhurried elegance.
It has been a motivating journey for our team to witness a young leopard growing into a strong, ravishing adult, and leading a pleasant life as she ages. As the committed staff works tirelessly towards sustaining Nisha’s health, you too can support her welfare by becoming a monthly donor for Wildlife SOS!
