With the gradual increase in the number of cases of human-leopard conflicts, more and more leopards are suffering. With a vision to protect these precious felines, Wildlife SOS, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department, laid the foundation for the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) in Junnar, Pune, which houses 37 rescued leopards, one of them being, Sanjay.
Sanjay was merely five years old when he was rescued in 2016 from Mangrul, a village in Maharashtra, after becoming a victim of human-leopard conflict. The forest department brought Sanjay to the safe environment of MLRC, where he has been residing peacefully since the last eight years.
Now, being nearly 13 years old, Sanjay is one of the largest leopards under our care. His dominant personality compliments well with his size, and one can see how this majestic leopard is his own master indeed. Male leopards are solitary and elusive in nature, and Sanjay spends royal and quality time with himself as his company.
With thick, dense vegetation in his enclosure, Sanjay often plays a clever game of hide-and-seek with our staff photographers, who manage to catch just a glimpse of his magnificent physique. Along with the trees and bushes present in his field, Sanjay engages with the enrichments that have been made specially for him by his caregivers.
One of Sanjay’s favourite enrichment is the wooden platform that has been designed and installed for him. Once he is on top of it, the big-bodied leopard spends most of his day lying down and dozing off on it. Nothing convinces him to leave his beloved platform, unless it is feeding time! Even after descending from it, Sanjay indulges in a few frisky rounds of his field before finally entering his feeding den — much to his caregiver’s respite!
At MLRC, every leopard is pampered with fresh meals five times a week, but it is only Sanjay who expends all his energy with hops, leaps and jumps of his field just before he arrives to relish his food. Once every bit of it is eaten, Sanjay makes his way back to his wooden platform, and resumes his nap that lasts for hours on end.
Any leopard above the age of 12 is provided with geriatric care at our centre. This includes special medical care according to the leopards’ health condition. Old leopards face dental and joint problems, due to which extra care needs to be given to them. Sanjay is receiving constant attention to prevent any impending complications. This involves providing him with regular doses of multivitamins and supplements to help him retain his steady health.
All the leopards at MLRC are under constant observation for their well-being. As part of their medical routine, our team conducts faecal sample analysis every three months to detect any untoward symptoms. This helps them to take control of any disease or infection, in case it arises.
In order to provide utmost care to Sanjay and our resident leopards, our hardworking team of caregivers and expert veterinary staff works hand-in-hand. Whenever a caregiver spots anything unusual with the feline, be it physically or in the behaviour, he immediately informs the medical team that duly conducts appropriate tests to analyse the big cat’s health.
Overcoming his trauma of facing conflict has been a challenge for Sanjay, but he has been able to do so with resilience. Our team has witnessed Sanjay taking full control of his natural, grand persona with panache. To help him continue to lead a life of constant care and affection, we welcome you to sponsor Sanjay and become a valuable contributor for his health and upkeep!
