Yuvraj, a leopard with a fierce spirit, arrived at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) in 2022. He was initially caught by the locals of Pimparkhed village, a region facing harsh realities of human-wildlife conflict. Understanding the urgency of the situation, the MLRC team arrived to rescue Yuvraj, offering him a safe space to thrive.
In his new home at MLRC, Yuvraj, now nearly nine years old, remains true to his wild nature — he is shy, elusive, and a master of camouflage. Saved from a situation that threatened his life, the big cat prefers to lie low, becoming a true phantom in his field. He patiently waits in hiding till his caregivers leave after serving his meal. It is only after the coast is clear that Yuvraj emerges, like a shadow slipping through the trees. He silently collects his food, relishing a nourishing portion of up to 3 kg of meat he receives five times every week. As part of his overall welfare, Yuvraj, weighing over 55 kg, also undergoes a deworming procedure every three months as prescribed by our expert veterinarians.
Photographing Yuvraj has always been a challenge for the team at MLRC. The charismatic cat disappears the moment he spots a camera lens! His enclosure is thick with trees and vegetation, and he uses every inch of it to his advantage, slipping behind bushes or crouching low, blending seamlessly with the landscape. Capturing him in entirety is like trying to photograph the wind — he is a highly elusive leopard with a skill to flee!
Despite his shy demeanour, Yuvraj follows a routine of his own. After finishing his meal, he tends to retreat to his favourite spot, an elevated wooden platform – where he watches the world from a distance. Sometimes, photographers manage to catch a glimpse of his striking golden eyes peeking through the leaves. It is as if the big cat is silently observing their every move! But by the time their camera is raised, Yuvraj disappears once again, leaving behind rustling branches as evidence of his presence.
Yuvraj prefers solitude, yet, there is a quiet majesty in the way he moves, claiming his space without ever needing to assert dominance. Given his expertise in concealing himself, it truly is a privilege to catch a glimpse of this leopard, even if it is for a few fleeting moments.
Leopards cannot change their spots, of course, but our team makes sure that no change takes place to the natural instincts of rescued leopards as well! At MLRC, Yuvraj’s enclosure is designed to replicate the wilderness of forests, providing him an environment that allows him to remain as elusive and powerful as the leopard he was born to be.
Wildlife SOS treats and releases many leopards injured or displaced in conflicts with humans. Currently at MLRC, over 30 leopards that suffered traumatic and harmful instances have been rehabilitated, as they can no longer be released back into the wild. Support long-term care of leopards at MLRC, and help us continue providing for these incredible animals.
