Wildlife SOS founded the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) in Junnar, Maharashtra, in response to the rising incidents of human-leopard conflict near towns and villages of the vicinity. What began as an effort to save leopards from severe instances of conflict has resulted in the rehabilitation of over 30 big cats rescued from life-threatening situations.
Jiya is one of the lively leopard residents at MLRC and has been under our care since June 2008. She was found as a lost cub amidst the sugarcane fields in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, after her mother had been hunted down. Barely two months old, orphaned Jiya’s ability to survive in the wild faced a daunting threat. Her arrival at MLRC ensured that she was hand-raised gently by the caregivers. Now, 15 years later, she is regarded as one of the most flamboyant felines at the centre, who is also ageing gracefully.
At MLRC, leopards beyond the age of 12 are provided with geriatric care that is tailored to suit their specific needs. Most leopards experience dental problems, joint issues, and a noticeable shift in their overall behaviour and personality. While medical procedures such as dental x-rays require the animal to be under general anaesthesia, for older leopards, anaesthesia can be hazardous to their health. This is why visual examinations are conducted to safely assess the condition of an aged leopard.
As a 15-year-old leopard, Jiya receives attentive geriatric care by our team members. She undergoes routine health checkups so that any potential issue can be detected well in time. Taking care of elderly big cats requires constant vigilance from both caregivers and veterinarians to ensure that their needs and preferences are addressed.
For her overall well-being, Jiya is being provided with essential health supplements that include multivitamins. Aged leopards and older big cats suffer from dental issues that make them disinterested in having food. Fortunately, Jiya, despite her age, has not encountered any kind of disinclination towards food consumption. She retains her enthusiasm for food, which is highly evident to her caregivers at MLRC. Jiya relishes the healthy portions of meat that she receives five times a week.
As a senior, majestic leopard at the centre, Jiya leads her day leisurely. She strolls around her field at an unhurried and calm pace. She can be seen indulging in sessions of play and also rolling around in the mud. However, given her age, a significant decline has been observed in her overall energy. She devotes a lot of her time to taking relaxing naps.
Jiya has established her preference for the wooden platform placed in her field, from where she can watch her surroundings and also relax. When not on this enrichment, she can be seen sitting on the ramp created near her night cage. Though she is wary about being observed while eating her meals, Jiya has formed amicable bonds with the caregivers at MLRC. She continues to emanate elegance that complements her serene demeanour. Friendly interactions with her dearest companion Jaya reveal the trust and comfort Jiya finds in her surroundings. You too can support Jiya’s care by becoming a monthly donor.
