Essential attributes of a leopard being shy, elusive and adept at camouflaging is perfectly encapsulated in our Leopard of the Month — Rani. A quiet and often untraceable resident of the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC), Rani exemplifies the reserved nature of her species with elegance. This month, we celebrate eight years of her resilience and admirable qualities that make her a cherished member of MLRC.
Ranges in Maharashtra are known for frequent occurrences of human-leopard conflict. These encounters are rising due to the rapid encroachment of vital leopard habitats. Rani, aged eight at the time, was confronted with a dire situation of conflict in the Otur Range and was rescued by the forest department. To ensure that she receives an environment that secures her well-being, her long-term care was handed over to Wildlife SOS. The MLRC has been Rani’s haven since 2016.
Surrounded by abundant trees and luscious greenery, Rani takes up every chance she gets to bask in her pleasant environs. Her enclosure is richly adorned with dense vegetation, where damp monsoon weather fosters the growth of tall grasses, offering opportunities for her to conceal herself within them.
Rani has embraced her field at MLRC as her very own territory and practises her natural skills with remarkable finesse. She knows exactly how to trick the caregivers’ eyes when they wish to locate her presence. Rani is also an expert at cleverly hiding away from the staff photographers whenever they try to take her picture!
The solitary nature of leopards is one of their defining characteristics. Endowed with this, Rani is often seen taking leisure walks in her field for hours by herself. Her resplendent coat of rosettes radiates royalty as she gracefully ambles her field.
Despite being reclusive, she does engage in playful interactions with Lila and Sundari, her enclosure mates during the day. Rani may be a demure leopard, but that does not hinder her wish to form bonds with her mates.
Her gentle disposition anchors the dynamism of her group. The trio can be seen chasing each other through the vast expanse of their daytime enclosure, or basking in the sun on colder days. While they enjoy each other’s company, they often part ways to indulge in solitary explorations.
Our team of dedicated caregivers and veterinarians make sure the leopards are tended to in the best possible manner. As part of the summer care mechanism, the leopards are provided with vitamin supplements to help them cope with the physiological stress that can be caused due to heat.
Rani is a healthy leopard, and her mandatory medical check-ups are conducted quarterly. A significant part of her health examination involves faecal analysis to detect any early signs of illness, or the presence of parasites. This proactive approach enables us to promptly address and manage any diseases or infections that may arise.
Among the enrichments installed in Rani’s enclosure are vertical wooden poles that help her to practise climbing and exercise her muscles. Rani elegantly mounts one of the wooden platforms placed in her day enclosure, where she can sit and take in the panoramic view of her field. These platforms serve as ideal resting spots as well, allowing Rani to gracefully groom herself for a while. Such elevated spots also align with the natural instincts of leopards that often seek ideal heights to relax on in the wild.
Rani may be highly reclusive, but her regal and captivating presence has captured the heart of all those involved in her care. Her story reaffirms the existence of a silver lining to the dark situations that cloud over wild animals. We invite you to sponsor Rani and become a key contributor for her well-being!
