A young female leopard was rescued near Pavana Lake in Lonavala, Maharashtra, after being reported stranded on a tree early in the morning. The situation escalated when local residents attempted to capture the leopard in an unsafe manner, resulting in minor injuries to six individuals. Range Forest Officer Prakash Shinde of Vadgaon-Maval quickly alerted the RESQ Charitable Trust team for assistance.
Local Residents Risk Safety in Rescue Attempt
Upon the team’s arrival, it was discovered that the leopard had climbed the tree for safety, possibly startled by something in the vicinity. A dangerous situation unfolded as the locals attempted to restrain the animal using ropes and nets, a method that posed risks to both the people involved and the leopard. Assistant Conservator of Forests Mangesh Tatte Patil emphasized the importance of giving the animal space and time to find its way out safely.
The Forest Department took charge of the situation, safely transferring the leopard into a transport cage with the help of RESQ CT. However, the animal had a tightly wound rope around its abdomen, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Medical Intervention and Recovery
The leopard was promptly admitted to the Wildlife Transit Treatment Centre in Bavdhan for further assessment. The tightly wound rope was carefully removed, and the animal received anti-shock treatment and necessary medical care. Neha Panchamiya, Founder and President of RESQ Charitable Trust, provided an update on the leopard’s condition, stating that she is stable with minor injuries and is under close observation at the Wildlife Transit Centre. The team is ensuring she receives the care she needs before making decisions on her next steps in coordination with the Forest Department.
Authorities Warn Against Unauthorized Wildlife Rescue Attempts
Deputy Conservator of Forests Mahadev Mohite issued a stern advisory following the incident, emphasizing the importance of refraining from attempting to capture wildlife without proper training and equipment. Immediate reporting to the Forest Department or trained rescue teams is crucial in ensuring the safety of both individuals and animals. The Maharashtra Forest Department and RESQ Charitable Trust urge citizens to report wildlife-related incidents promptly and avoid direct intervention to prevent potential risks.
As the rescued young female leopard continues her recovery journey, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human interactions and wildlife conservation efforts. The collaborative efforts of the Forest Department, RESQ Charitable Trust, and local residents highlight the importance of proper protocols and caution in dealing with such situations to ensure the safety of both humans and animals alike.
