As the gentle breeze engulfed the morning sun, Ganesh, a 17 year old leopard, took his final breaths at Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC). His passing marks the end of a life that was not defined by tragedy, but by resilience.
Ganesh was almost three years old when Wildlife SOS had rescued him with the help of the Maharashtra Forest Department from a human-leopard conflict situation. He was stuck in between a group of people who were attacking him out of fear. At such a tender age, Ganesh lost his eyesight in this conflict. His left eye suffered serious injuries and infections, which led to a surgical removal of his eye to prevent the infection from spreading further. On his right eye, severe cataract was detected as a blue cloud formed, making his vision in this eye negligible as well. Releasing him back into the wild was impossible because of the unfortunate consequences of conflict. It was then decisively agreed upon that Ganesh would be provided a safe and forever home at our rescue centre.
Ganesh took a few months to adjust to his enclosure’s landscape in the rescue centre. He would strongly rely on his sense of smell and touch to create a mental map of his surroundings. One fine day, he brushed against a wooden enrichment structure that had been carefully installed in his field. Ganesh, alert and curious, made a close inspection, and soon realised that it was a safe platform placed at a height. Caregivers wished for Ganesh to revive his instinctive climbing and lounging behaviours, and this enrichment successfully did so. Soon, the wooden platform became one of his favourite spots to mount and nap on.
Ganesh’s story would be incomplete without putting the spotlight on his best mate – Vitthal! Two years prior to Ganesh’s rescue, Vitthal, who was two years older than Ganesh, was rescued from a poacher’s snare that eventually led to the loss of his right hindlimb paw.
After careful consideration and with safe socialisation protocols in place, the staff introduced the two young leopards to each other. Everyone was relieved to see their first interaction being a friendly one. With no adverse behaviour for days and days together, it was evident that they were enjoying each other’s company, and eventually were shifted into one enclosure.
In the wild, leopards are solitary animals. Yet, Ganesh and Vitthal formed an unusual and gentle companionship that became well known far and wide among the Wildlife SOS family. The two friends would also share the wooden platform, with one claiming the top of it while the other took shelter underneath. They were very content in each other’s company. It was always suspected that their friendship bloomed because of their shared vulnerabilities. We now imagine Vitthal carrying Ganesh’s playful spirit. With every step Vitthal takes around their enclosure, the moments he shared with his friend walk along with him.
Ganesh retained many of his natural instincts that were undaunted by his blindness. His innate will to maintain his health and hygiene were particularly impressive! Big cats in the wild have a peculiar habit of grooming. This helps them maintain the fur’s hygiene by removing parasites, and in regulating body temperature. Ganesh was extremely familiar with this, which explains how he maintained his shiny and soft fur.
Occasionally, he would nibble on some of the grass around him. Ganesh did this as a natural technique to keep the fibre up in his system that aided digestion. It was another joy to see Ganesh scratching a wooden log to sharpen his nails. Our team took every step to ensure that all of his wild behaviours are encouraged for his wellbeing.
Since the last 10 years under our care, we tenderly surrender to the certainty that he has passed on peacefully due to old age, having experienced a life of consistent care and companionship.
When it was first discovered that blindness was something Ganesh would have to live with for the rest of his life, the team was unsure of how he would be able to deal with it. Little did we know that this blind leopard would instead open our eyes to the true meaning of resilience. His presence had become vital to his friend Vithhal, who would always stand as a guardian and guide around him. Ganesh left us on a quiet morning of January this year, and we know that only time and consistent care would heal his true friend, and the caring team.
As we eulogise Ganesh today, we also hold great respect for his brave yet calm personality as inspiring qualities, now deeply etched in our hearts.
Feature Image: Akash Dolas/ Wildlife SOS
