As forests are uprooted, one tree at a time — more and more wild animals find themselves wandering closer and closer to human settlements. When they stray into human habitation, we all know that the outcomes can be wildly unpredictable — and often tragic. But for a few fortunate leopards, life offers a second chance. The Wildlife SOS Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) in Maharashtra is one such haven, where injured, orphaned, or conflict-affected leopards who can no longer survive in the wild receive long-term care and a place to call home.
In this update, meet Akash, Aarya, Catherine, Meera, and Brinda — five leopards who, despite facing immense challenges in life, now reside safely at MLRC. Each one has a unique story shaped by conflict, injury, and survival. They’ve now found a new home and are gradually adapting to their safe environment where they can lead peaceful lives they have always deserved.
Akash
Akash’s journey with Wildlife SOS began in 2021 when he was just a tiny cub, barely 2–3 months old. He had ventured away from his mother in the Otur Range, a region increasingly burdened by human-leopard conflict. Thankfully, he was rescued in time and brought to the attention of the Maharashtra Forest Department and our team. After a thorough health check and being microchipped for identification, we successfully reunited him with his mother in the wild. But a few months later, the infant leopard was found in the same region, separated from his mother once again. Our team, working alongside the forest department, managed to carry out a second successful reunion, and hoped that would be the last time he needed our help.
However, in 2023, an escalating human-leopard conflict situation led to the forest department in Otur Range laying a cage trap to safely capture the concerned feline. When he was brought to MLRC, a quick scan of his microchip confirmed our suspicion — this was the very same infant we had twice reunited with his mother. Now, Akash was almost two years of age, and bore multiple wounds and scars. The forest department, in consultation with our veterinary experts, made the decision that in his condition, he could no longer be released into the wild.
Priority was given to an injury Akash had sustained on his left forelimb, likely while navigating the dense undergrowth or while dodging threats in the forest. Thankfully, our veterinary team was able to treat the wound successfully, and he has since made a full recovery. Currently between 4-5 years old, Akash, a name meaning the ‘open sky’, is filled with the curiosity of a big cat. Shy but observant, he prefers to retreat into his enclosure, either to groom his shining fur, or play with his wooden logs, which is his favourite enrichment. His enclosure has been designed to support his physical health as well his mental stimulation. Akash seems to remain content while exploring his field, watching the world through his gorgeous pale green eyes!
Aarya
Aarya’s presence at MLRC is both poignant and powerful. Rescued in 2023 from Shirur, she was around 7–8 years old at the time and arrived with a critical physical challenge — she was missing a phalange (a bone segment) in her right forelimb. Whether due to an old snare trap, injury, or congenital defect, this impairment drastically reduced her ability to navigate the forest terrain or hunt for prey effectively.
After the forest department sensitively decided that releasing Aarya back into the wild would be risky and unsuitable given her physical condition, she was given a loving home in MLRC. Aarya has adapted remarkably to life in the sanctuary that resembles a forest. She is a shy leopard, often seen quietly navigating her enclosure, which is equipped with wooden platforms and logs to help her stay active and mentally engaged. She often plays the exciting game of hide-and-seek when caregivers try to locate her! She either stays hidden behind the lush herbage of her enclosure, or mounts upon a tree, with her rosettes perfectly blended with her surroundings. Aarya chooses to climb up to a height from where she can scan the landscape beneath her. While she remains preoccupied with herself, Aarya’s playful sneak-peaks make her a joyful member of the MLRC family!
Meera
Can a 15-day-old leopard cub survive without her mother? In more than most cases, no, since cubs need their mother’s care for at least the first two years of their lives. But Meera, rescued in 2024 from Nerle Sangli village located in Walwa tehsil of Sangli district in Maharashtra, was able to defy the odds owing to the hand-reared care that she received.
Found alone and crying in a sugarcane field, Meera’s rescue came after villagers alerted the Maharashtra Forest Department that launched an attempt to reunite the baby leopard with her mother. Sadly, despite days of surveillance and hope, her mother never returned. With concern for the cub’s life, she was brought to MLRC, where she has been receiving constant and sensitive care.
At the time of rescue, baby Meera was frail, dehydrated, and completely dependent on round-the-clock feeding and warmth. However, thanks to the dedication of the MLRC veterinary experts and caregivers, Meera overcame this fragile stage.
Today, over one year of age, she is full of energy, and playfully explores her field, which is heart-warming to witness. She chooses to sit on wooden platforms, gazing into her surroundings, or tugging and rolling with wooden logs placed for enrichment. Her enclosure is replete with greenery and mimics the wild environment. Several safe and stimulating elements have been installed to keep Meera active and encourage motor development.
This summer, special measures have been taken to keep her cool — including adequate shade, regular hydration, and even sprinklers to keep the heat away. She’s also received essential vaccinations, including anti-rabies protection, ensuring she stays healthy as she grows. Meera will remain under long-term care, but her journey from being a helpless cub to becoming a spirited juvenile is as endearing as it is remarkable.
Catherine
Catherine once roamed the wilderness on the outskirts of Ale village, but as the forest around her began to slowly disappear, she found herself closer to human habitation. The risk of an untoward encounter was growing with every passing day, till what was feared came true. Catherine was rescued by the forest department in 2023 after she was found with a lacerated wound on her right hindlimb and broken lower canines — an unfortunate consequence of human-wildlife conflict. At just five years old, she was no longer fit to survive in the wild. The forest department decided to rehabilitate her at MLRC.
Now under the long-term care of MLRC, Catherine made a strong recovery and has become a confident leopard with a shiny dappled coat and alert golden eyes. Her enclosure offers a safe, quiet space filled with enrichments that allow her to exercise her body and boost her natural instincts. She has also begun revealing her playful side — caregivers have observed how she often chases her own shadow. They often witness her pouncing on it, as if trying to outwit the elusive twin that follows her everywhere!
Brinda
Towards the end of 2023, the Nashik Forest Department rescued a leopard from Bindori Village, a hotspot of human-wildlife conflict. Estimated to be around 8–9 years old, Brinda had lost her upper and lower right canines, which made her unfit for survival back in the wild. She was decisively sent to MLRC for long-time care.
Upon her arrival at our centre, and following the regular routine of providing her with vaccinations, deworming, and a comprehensive health checkup, we realised that Brinda was pregnant! Once the surprising and delightful news was discovered, our Wildlife SOS team spared no time in preparing a comfortable environment for her and her soon-to-be cubs.
Soon after, in February 2025, Brinda gave birth to her two cubs in the sleepy hours of the night. The arrival of two female baby leopards engulfed the centre with joy! Brinda began caring for her two cubs with a natural maternal instinct. Both the cubs were later safely microchipped and have been receiving health checks from our veterinary team.
The cubs were named Khushboo and Disha, and are now around one-and-a-half months old. Both exhibit typical leopard cub behaviour of being playful, curious, and extremely wary of humans. When caregivers enter the enclosure, the sisters often disappear behind platforms or climb their enrichment ladders to stay hidden. Their enclosure is equipped with platforms and logs, encouraging them to practise their natural behaviour. They have also received key vaccinations including rabies protection and the tricat trio, safeguarding them against common feline diseases. Brinda remains an attentive mother, keeping a watchful eye on her cubs as they navigate their shared environment.
As we carry on with activities that promise development for mankind, we are also letting go of one of the most important aspects of our planet. Wildlife and their habitats cannot be compromised to help the human race progress. At Wildlife SOS, we understand how valuable every single life is — and that includes the leopards who have been forced out of their natural habitats and into the fringes of human settlements.
Rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for these wild wanderers takes time, effort, and resources. That’s where you come in. By sponsoring a leopard or donating to our cause, you directly support their care and help us build a safer, more compassionate world for them.
Feature image: Akash Dolas/ Wildlife SOS
