Spotlight On: Adaptable Aarya

Nestled along the biodiverse stretch of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, our Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) shines as the beacon of hope for rescued leopards. Aarya, a graceful big cat, is one of the leopards that reside in this safe sanctuary. It was in 2023 when forest department officials from the Shirur range found her in an unfortunate state in the wild. She had an unusual gait, which was traced to severe wounds and a deep cut on her right forelimb, examination of which led to another shocking discovery — the bones on the front of her paw were entirely missing. Aarya was thus rescued and brought to MLRC for immediate treatment.

When Aarya arrived for medical care, it was clear to the veterinarian team at MLRC that the wounds she had sustained were causing her immense pain, making her struggle to walk. The treatment prescribed led to the recovery of Aarya’s injuries, but her phalanges, naturally and unfortunately, did not grow back. The lack of having a functioning paw raised concerns about her chances of survival in the wild. Leopards rely heavily on their claws and paws to successfully hunt for food or defend their territory. These mighty matters for Aarya now lay at risk. A judicious, compassionate and necessary decision was made to provide Aarya with the secure environment of MLRC, where she would be receiving dedicated long-term care.

Today, Aarya, who is nearly 10 years old, is a picture of health and resilience. She has adapted beautifully to life within the lush environment of the centre, and maintains an elegant yet alert demeanour. Her caregivers describe her as energetic and observant, always quick to respond to any movement in her surroundings. She is also known to be feisty, a trait that reflects her confidence, strong instincts and deep-rooted survival skills.

The enclosure in which Aarya has been housed has been designed thoughtfully, keeping in mind her special needs. Just as her natural habitat would look, her enclosure includes wooden logs, high perches and platforms, all of which are enrichments that encourage her to hone her physical aptitude. Climbing or leaping onto these enrichments with precision and agility has also reassured us how animals rescued with a permanent impairment can marvelously adapt to their surroundings if they feel safe.

Aarya’s remarkable ability to remain hidden has been lauded by her caregivers, who qualify her as an expert. Leopards in the wild exhibit this trait: they often crouch behind dense undergrowth, waiting to pounce upon prey. Aarya becomes one with the thickets, and while she can keep a watch on her caregivers as they go about their daily work, her caregivers often end up scratching their heads when they try to spot her! She is a ‘mistress’ of disguise when she blends in with branches and leaves, and the rosettes on her body are only visible when she makes a move. When she decides to finally emerge from the greens, she is truly a sight to behold.

Our veterinarians prioritise Aarya’s well-being. As part of her overall welfare, the medical team prescribes a deworming procedure every three months. Along with the rest of the leopards at the centre, Aarya receives annual vaccinations to safeguard her against rabies, viral infections and potential ailments. She is also given liver supplements and multivitamins to support her immune system. These proactive measures ensure that Aarya remains in peak physical condition, allowing her to thrive at MLRC. Aarya is offered a highly nutritious diet, which caregivers say she finishes up fast in just a few gobbles! The eagerness she displays during feeding hours reflects her strong appetite and good health.

Even though Aarya may not be the most visible leopard at MLRC, and does not draw attention to herself, our team knows that she is a quiet and attentive one. This June marks two years since Aarya arrived at MLRC. Had her ghastly cut and wounds been left untreated, they could have easily led to infections that would spread and ultimately become fatal. The healing of her grave injuries has helped Aarya to establish a sense of trust in her caregivers and the environment she is living in.

We are committed to helping leopards like Aarya, who sadly suffer from physical difficulties that become serious obstacles to their survival in the wild. Aarya serves as a stark reminder of how keystone species also face constant threats in their natural habitats, which leads them closer to places where they can find and secure food to live on. Your donations can help us ensure that Aarya and her fellow rescued leopards at MLRC continue to lead healthy lives.

Feature image: Wildlife SOS/ Akash Dolas