3 injured leopards shifted to Nahargarh for rehabilitation

Jaipur: During forest department's search for a maneater leopard in Gogunda forest block of Udaipur district, other leopards caught in trap cages were transferred to the Nahargarh Biological Park in Jaipur.These wild cats will be housed at the park's rescue centre for rehabilitation. In total, four leopards were captured during the operation, though one recently escaped, the remaining three have now been relocated. These leopards were held by the forest department for over a month, during which they sustained injuries to their claws, canine teeth, and foreheads.Senior veterinarian Dr. Arvind Mathur said, "Two males and one female have been brought here and are now kept in a larger enclosure at the rescue centre. Due to their aggressive behaviour while caged, they sustained injuries. Treatment has commenced, and we hope for their full recovery soon."Experts alleged that the prolonged captivity led the leopards to injure themselves, and that the forest department's negligence resulted in their extended confinement.Wildlife enthusiast Dr. Shalini said, "State officials have become so insensitive that they've violated all rules and SOPs required for the rescue, handling, and release of big cats. It is heartbreaking to see them confined to small cages, where they suffer both physical and mental trauma. Now, they will be kept in captivity for the rest of their lives."An official mentioned that both male leopards are estimated to be 17-18 years old, while the female is around 12. "The males lack functional canine teeth which could make them prone to attacking humans if released. The female also exhibits signs of aggression. A higher authority will decide their future, but they will remain here until fully recovered."Sources said the close proximity of the trap cages in Udaipur heightened the leopards' aggression. "Also, keeping them caged for so long has made it unfeasible to rewild them, as they will not be able to hunt. They hurt themselves and became aggressive, posing a potential threat to humans if released. Additionally, having been brought here, 400km away, these leopards will remain in captivity and are unlikely to be rewilded."
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