As sun rays peek through the wooded landscape of the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC), they land on a royal resident here, making his coat gleam as he stretches his lithe frame. This is Rajesh, a leopard that defines grace with his presence.
Rajesh has perfected the ability to escape the eye of anyone who may be out looking for him. He is a quiet animal, which could be easily mistaken as a trait of shyness. While he wears his invisibility cloak, Rajesh is always watching — whether it is from the shaded patch beneath a bunch of trees, from behind a wooden log that has been scratched, or from the edge of his enclosure. These are where light and shadow caress his shiny, sleek coat, helping him to perfectly camouflage.
Rescued in the year 2016 from Shindewadi, Maharashtra, Rajesh arrived at our centre after being found in a human-wildlife conflict situation by the Maharashtra Forest Department. Recurring visits to the village led to a threat of violent retaliation, which brought this leopard under protective care. At the time of his rescue, he was seven years old — an age when leopards naturally are territorial in the wild. However, with rapid deforestation practices, these large felines are losing their space and their prey, bringing them closer to human settlements where they face unfortunate encounters.
Rajesh, now 16 years old, is one of the reserved residents of MLRC. The centre, running in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS, is a space that creates balance between the wild forests and a secure sanctuary for leopards like Rajesh that are under long-term care.
Through the years, Rajesh has become well-accustomed to his lush environment. Each day, he awakens to a spacious field with trees, tall grasses, and areas where he can easily hide. Rajesh walks its length with a steady, unhurried gait, often choosing to sit in the shade where the air is cooler. He has a few favourite spots — one being the long, fallen log that is warmed by the sun, another a small clearing where birds sometimes gather. There is also a shaded alcove where he sits still for hours, eyes half-closed but never unaware.
On the left side of his enclosure resides Vishnu, and the one on his right is occupied by Sanjay — fellow rescued residents. While he is alert to their presence, Rajesh remains content with being an introvert and a solitary leopard, showcasing his wild and inherent characteristics.
It is only when dusk begins to cast its veil over the land that Rajesh makes his way into his feeding den. This is where he takes his nutritious meal, which he enjoys unhurriedly, before the centre gradually hushes into nature’s night sounds of crickets and rustling trees.
There’s something undeniably regal about Rajesh. While his movements are strategic, his stance is almost meditative. Watching him is less like observing an animal that carries the rhythm, yet silence, of the forest within him.
One look at his smouldering eyes discloses Rajesh’s deep-rooted strength and elegance. However, in a world where the forests and green habitat of wild animals are fading rapidly, Rajesh and other rescued leopards just like him stand as a quiet reminder of all we need to protect. Your donation will help us keep the wild alive!
Feature Image: Akash Dolas/Wildlife SOS
