Spotlight On: Bagheera, A Leopard Without Canines

Beneath the canopies of serene woodlands of Junnar, lies our Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC), cradling many untold stories. Amongst all the inhabitants we house, one mysterious resident stands out as an attestation of courage and adaptability— Bagheera, a leopard that lacks canine teeth.

Before Bagheera became a part of our Wildlife SOS family, his life was impacted by human greed. Imprudent urbanisation has been leading to the disappearance of many green hotspots, forcing the helpless fauna out of their own natural habitats. This, in turn, led to an escalation in human-wildlife encounters, and inevitably, situations of conflict. Such was the case for Bagheera, the big cat that would often wander inside the small town of Igatpuri, Nashik.

After the intervention of the forest department, which reached out to Wildlife SOS for assistance, our expert team safely extricated the leopard out of the situation, and observed any visible signs of injury or distress.

However for Bagheera, we were faced with a challenge like never before — the 12-year-old leopard did not have any canines. These four pointed teeth serve as a vital tool for a leopard’s survival, and releasing a natural predator like him into the wild could only spell doom for the animal. He would neither be able to hunt nor defend himself. Concerned for the safety of the leopard, we decided to welcome him in MLRC, providing him with a safe, protected environment where he need not struggle to survive.

When Bagheera arrived at MLRC in 2021, his fierce temperament reflected the trauma from conflicts he had endured. As a natural response to change, he was initially wary of his surroundings and would therefore show aggression as well. However, he gradually adjusted to the gentle care he was receiving as well as his field, which comprises of i wooden ladders, logs, and natural vegetation, closely resembling what would have been his territory in the wild.

Now 16 years old, Bagheera’s daily routine is an eventful one. He rises early, around 6 am, takes a long stretch, and then is eager to explore his lush enclosure. Given the solitary nature of leopards, we were quite surprised to see Bagheera befriending Shera, another leopard that had arrived at MLRC only a few months after him. Today, the two have become the best of friends! They are often spotted prancing into each other’s enclosure, where they playfully pounce on or chase each other, and even bask in the sun together.

As the sun makes its way to the horizon, Bagheera looks forward to his evening meal. His diet is carefully managed to ensure he receives all the necessary nutrients to stay healthy and strong. At MLRC, the health of every leopard under our care is paramount. Bagheera undergoes regular health checks, including deworming every three months and annual rabies and other essential vaccinations. Quick visual examinations are carried out to ensure his overall well-being.

As you read this, Bagheera and Shera might be lounging on a wooden log or sprinting across their fields. Episodes of conflict resulted in the complete transformation of Bagheera’s life, but under the loving care of all at Wildlife SOS, it has become one of good health and happiness.

If Bagheera’s story has touched your heart, consider supporting us by donating to ensure a brighter future for him and other leopards under our care. Together, we can make a lasting impact, one leopard at a time.

Feature image: Akash Dolas/ Wildlife SOS