GANESH'S RESCUE STORY
In 2011, a three-year-old leopard strayed into a village in Maharashtra. Fear and hostility led the villagers to brutally attack this leopard. To bring the situation under control, the forest department arrived at the location but by then, the leopard had been grievously injured and was bleeding profusely. Upon realising that the leopard required immediate and intensive treatment, he was shifted to the Wildlife SOS Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre.
The leopard’s left eye was found to be severely infected. The veterinary team had to surgically remove this eye to stop the infection from spreading further and cause other health issues. It was also noted that there was hardly any vision remaining in the leopard’s other eye. After two weeks of constant care, treatments and examinations, it became clear that the young leopard would never be able to see again. As he was left with a permanent disability, his chances of survival in the wild became highly uncertain. To ensure that he continued to receive the specialised care that he needed, this leopard, who had by now been named Ganesh, was placed under long-term care at the centre.
Ganesh was soon introduced to another blind leopard that was rescued from human-wildlife conflict, Vitthal, and the two formed an incredible bond of companionship. Losing sight has not prevented Ganesh from jumping around the logs and platforms present in his forested enclosure. He climbs up right on to the second level of his platforms to relax in the sun!
