Pune: Rescued as a Cub, Leopard ‘Simba’ Completes Five Years at Manikdoh Rescue Centre

Junnar, 25th March 2026: Simba, a male leopard rescued as an abandoned cub in 2021, has completed five years under care at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre, emerging as a strong example of successful wildlife rehabilitation.

The leopard has been under the joint care of Wildlife SOS and the Maharashtra Forest Department since he was found alone as a two-month-old cub in Kolwade village within the Sangamner forest range.

Simba was discovered in distress in sugarcane fields, which are commonly used by leopards in Maharashtra for shelter and raising cubs. After local villagers alerted authorities, a veterinary team examined the cub and found a tail injury, suspected to have been caused by feral dogs.

Officials initially attempted to reunite Simba with his mother by placing him back at the rescue site and monitoring the area using camera traps. However, when no adult leopard returned, it was concluded that the cub had been orphaned, necessitating long-term care.

Over the years, Simba has grown into a healthy adult leopard. He now resides in an enclosure designed to simulate natural habitat conditions, complete with elevated platforms, vegetation, and enrichment features that promote instinctive behaviours such as climbing and exploration.

His diet is carefully regulated, and his health is closely monitored through routine veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care.

Speaking on the milestone, Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, highlighted the increasing challenges faced by leopard cubs due to habitat fragmentation. He noted that while authorities prioritise reunification with the mother, intervention becomes essential when survival chances in the wild are low.

Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary of the organisation, emphasised the long-term commitment required in caring for orphaned wildlife, stating that Simba’s journey reflects sustained conservation efforts.

Smita Rajhans from the Junnar Forest Division described Simba as one of the centre’s most cherished residents and reaffirmed continued collaboration in wildlife conservation.

Established in 2002 by the Maharashtra Forest Department, the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre plays a crucial role in rehabilitating orphaned, injured, or human-wildlife conflict-affected leopards.

Simba’s five-year journey underscores the importance of timely rescue, scientific rehabilitation, and sustained care, offering a second chance at life to vulnerable wildlife.