If you happen to visit the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Maharashtra, we guarantee a wild experience that you’ll always cherish. Here’s what you can keep in mind: take a pause beneath the tree canopies, and if you hear a rustling sound, don’t be quick to dismiss it as one caused by leaves in the wind. If you listen and look closely, you might be able to see the wonderful ways of how wildlife comfortably blends into nature’s beauty. Among them is the very species our facility is specially dedicated to. And a lucky sighting for you would be the rosettes of a very wise leopard under our care named Asha.
Asha was rescued by the Maharashtra Forest Department from a sudden, unexpected episode of human-wildlife encounter. She was only six years old then, and was carrying more than just fear with her — Asha was pregnant when she unwillingly became a part of the conflict.
In the wild, mother leopards guide their cubs for the first two years of their lives, transferring her wealthy knowledge of survival to them. The forest department gave the female leopard safe space to bring up her newly born cubs, and two and a half years later, Asha and her cubs were confidently handed over to Wildlife SOS for long-term rehabilitation.
Asha had given birth to two female cubs — Usha and Nisha — names lovingly chosen to rhyme with their mother’s. When they arrived at MLRC, Asha, Usha and Nisha were given a large enclosure for the mother to closely care for her juveniles. Within their field that closely resembled a forest, Asha got the chance to carry out her maternal duties — she became a mentor to her daughters, teaching them the art of camouflaging, and the skill of applying natural instincts to use enrichments provided. Gradually, just as it happens in the wild, the two sisters grew to have an inherent solitary nature that became prominent, making Nisha and Usha gain their own independent enclosures, not very far from each other’s.
It has been 12 years since Asha joined the MLRC family. She had arrived as a brave mother, with her own family of two to take care of. Asha’s love and bond with her daughters were nothing short of an inspiration to watch — with gentle tugs and playful pushes, she beautifully upheld the responsibility of being the perfect protector for Usha and Nisha.
A leopard’s life span in the wild is between 12 and 15 years. Asha is now 20 years old, and has seen both liveliness and peace within and around her at MLRC. As she ages, she moves more slowly, but with an unmatched grace. As a part of her geriatric care, mindful attention is given to her overall welfare by our team of veterinarians. Asha is provided with multivitamins to sustain her strength and well-being. She is also vaccinated every year to prevent rabies and other respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.
Asha’s favourite enrichment accessory is the wooden platform. She climbs on to it and positions herself to enjoy the aerial view. She stays true to her instincts as leopards are naturally arboreal mammals and excellent climbers. Asha loves to make her way up to heights, and she also stretches her limbs on a wooden ladder that’s present in her enclosure. On rainy days, she reveals how clever she is when she quickly takes shelter underneath her platform! Caregivers consider these daily acts as positive signs that indicate her strongly following the traits of a leopard.
Asha, much like her kind, conceals herself with exquisite talent, and from within her secret spots, she is always observing her surroundings. After playing a long game of hiding from our staff photographers, she finally reveals herself, and much to their awe, doesn’t shy away from being photographed.
In what came as tragic news, Usha passed away two years ago, leaving behind a loving sister and a devoted mother. The everlasting bond between the mother and her daughters has been etched in the memory of caregivers and the medical team. While leopards are known to be solitary animals, Asha is not alone. She still has the company of Nisha, with whom she continues to share expressive, vocal interactions that include soft calls and elevated roars. One can tell how the consistency of this exchange is similar to the conversations concerned humans have when they are checking on each other.
Asha has been a resilient mother and a splendid leopard, and the need to ensure her long-term safety and care showcases the need for such centres. You can contribute to our efforts for leopard care by making a donation here.
Feature Image: Akash Dolas/ Wildlife SOS
