Pune: After Losing Mother, Sibling Leopard Cubs Get Second Chance At Life; Complete 5 Years

Junnar, 10th April 2024: Brother and sister duo, Titli and Montu, have spent the last five years at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Junnar, Maharashtra. Rescued when they were approximately four months old, these two leopard cubs faced the tragic loss of their mother in an accident. Under the dedicated care of Wildlife SOS and the Maharashtra Forest Department, this enigmatic sibling duo has thrived despite their challenging start in life.

In April 2019, tragedy struck for Titli and Montu when they lost their mother to an accident. Found orphaned after their mother fell into an open well, the cubs were discovered by local farmers who promptly alerted the forest department. Recognizing that the cubs stood no chance of survival in the wild without their mother, authorities transferred them to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre for long-term care.

Now, as they celebrate their fifth year since rescue, Titli and Montu have grown into healthy adult leopards, each residing in their separate enclosures within the facility. These enclosures are thoughtfully designed with various enrichments to ensure the leopards remain mentally and physically stimulated. Equipped with platforms, wooden logs, and hammocks, both Montu and Titli utilize these structures as vantage points to observe their surroundings.

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, remarked, “Our dedicated staff hand-reared the cubs, fostering a bond that helped them flourish during their initial years at the facility. While Montu and Titli once shared a field, playfully chasing each other, they have since matured into independent individuals with distinct personalities. Although they now occupy separate enclosures, Montu’s field is adjacent to Titli’s, allowing for occasional communication between the two.”

Amit Bhise, Assistant Conservator of Forests in Junnar, explained, “The Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre was established in 2002 to provide care for leopards orphaned, injured, or affected by conflict. Montu and Titli’s story is a testament to the exceptional care provided by Wildlife SOS and the forest department at the facility.”

Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary of Wildlife SOS, expressed, “The loss of a mother is a profound grief, and we are grateful to have offered Montu and Titli a second chance at life. Providing them with a new home and family at the rescue facility has been a rewarding journey.”