Injured leopard rescued from Kanha released back into wild after recovery

Jabalpur: A leopard rescued in injured condition from Kanha Tiger Reserve’s Bhaisanghat range earlier this week was released back into the wild after treatment and recovery at the Mukki quarantine centre. Forest officials said the animal ran back into the forest in healthy condition after being freed on Saturday evening.According to Kanha Tiger Reserve management, the injured leopard was first spotted by a patrolling team in the forest area a few days ago. After receiving the information, officials launched a rescue operation and safely captured the animal in a cage during the night of May 12.The leopard was examined the following morning in the presence of senior forest officials. Wildlife health officer Dr Sandeep Agrawal provided primary treatment on the spot before the animal was shifted to the Mukki quarantine centre for specialised care, treatment and continuous monitoring.Forest officials said the leopard remained under observation for several days, during which its condition steadily improved with regular treatment and proper care. After veterinarians declared the animal fully fit, authorities released it back into its natural habitat on May 17.Senior officials, including Kanha Tiger Reserve field director Ravindra Mani Tripathi, deputy director P K Verma and assistant directors of Halon and Phen ranges, were present during the release operation.Officials said the leopard quickly ran into the forest after the cage was opened, indicating that it recovered completely. Kanha management described the successful rescue, treatment and release as an example of timely intervention and coordinated wildlife management helping rehabilitate an injured wild animal back into its natural habitat.