At the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) in Maharashtra, where rescued leopards find safety and care, one particular resident stands out with her boundless energy. Meet Natalie, nearly seven years old now, affectionately called titli (butterfly) by her caregivers.
Helpless Orphans Rescued
The story begins in 2019, but with a heartbreak. The Wildlife SOS team from MLRC received a distress call about two leopard cubs spotted in an open well as deep as 100 feet. Upon reaching the site, the team discovered the body of an adult female leopard in another well nearby. It was assumed that she was the mother, who was out hunting at night when she met with this tragedy. When the young cubs, barely three months old, went searching for her, they fell into danger themselves.
[Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/ Akash Dolas]
Left orphaned, the siblings would not have survived in the wild without their mother’s guidance and care, which are crucial during the first two years of their lives. The forest department introduced them to MLRC, where they were gently hand-reared by the dedicated Wildlife SOS team. Named Natalie and George, the tiny tots have now grown into healthy adults and continue to thrive under expert care at the rescue centre.
Shining Life at MLRC
True to her nickname titli, Natalie moves from one spot to another with remarkable agility, rarely staying in one place for too long. She spends most of her time in her day enclosure, hopping across her favourite enrichment structures with ease and confidence. One of her preferred perches is a ladder. Natalie can often be seen resting on it, surveying her territory with her sharp, watchful eyes that miss nothing. She continues to engage proactively with the wooden logs and the other climbing structures in her enclosure as well. These enrichments provide her with mental and physical stimulation, allowing her to express natural behaviours that make leopards such fascinating creatures.
[Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/ Akash Dolas]
While she’s a shy leopard, Natalie is fiercely independent and highly alert, which are traits that reflect her strong wild instincts. These become particularly evident when caregivers or veterinarians approach her enclosure for cleaning or observation. She remains aware, with her curious mind assessing every movement around her. It’s this spirit of vigilance that reminds us of the magnificent supremacy leopards hold in the wild.
After a day of routine watchfulness, Natalie occasionally retreats indoors for brief moments before returning outside to continue her explorations when it gets dark. She then heads into her night enclosure that takes up the role of a safe and secluded den.
Thriving Under Expert Care
Natalie’s health is monitored regularly and she continues to thrive under the attentive care of the veterinary team. Like other leopards under our care, Natalie undergoes routine examinations on schedule. Multivitamin supplements added to her meals strengthen her immunity, keeping her fit and fine. Caregivers are constantly on a lookout to check if Natalie is content. In case she shows any unusual behaviour, they’d be the first to know and the quickest to report!
[Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/ Akash Dolas]
Her coat gleams, her appetite is robust, and her energy levels are nothing short of remarkable. The moment she catches the sight or scent of her food being brought in by caregivers, she leaps delightfully to receive it. She relishes every bit of her meat diet with unbridled enthusiasm, often finishing the meal within minutes! This eagerness is a positive testament of her overall well-being.
[Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/ Akash Dolas]
The lively leopard is also an expert at hiding. She knows the spots where her own distinctive spots merge perfectly into the surroundings, making it tough for us to spot her! When she finally makes a grand appearance, her caregivers pause in awe and wonder. Charming Natalie is such a joy to observe.
The Sibling Bond with George
Though Natalie and George live in adjacent enclosures, their bond as siblings remains quietly intact. They acknowledge each other’s presence through soft interactions and playful calls. This behaviour is perfectly natural for leopards, who are solitary animals, yet their connection continues to be a beautiful reminder of the journey they are taking together.
[Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/ Akash Dolas]
Every day, Natalie reminds us of what makes leopards so extraordinary. Whether perched on her favourite ladder or surveying her domain with watchful sight, or moving through her enclosure with a grace, she embodies the wild spirit that Wildlife SOS works tirelessly to protect.
Natalie’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the incredible work that happens when orphaned wildlife is given a second chance. Her vibrant energy and quick reflexes are characteristics that define her wild instincts. By making a donation and standing with Wildlife SOS, you can help ensure that leopards like Natalie continue receiving compassionate care.
Feature Image: Akash Dolas/ Wildlife SOS
