Maharashtra: Rescued leopard cub completes 5 years in Junnar MLRC

In a notable example of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, Simba, a male leopard housed at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) in Junnar, Pune district, has completed five years under long-term care provided by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department.

Simba was rescued as a two-month-old cub from Kolwade village in the Sangamner forest range after being found alone with no sign of his mother, despite repeated attempts at reunion. 

Due to his image as the most adorable and lovable cub after his arrival at the centre, Simba has also become one of the most famous leopards in MLRC.

The cub was discovered in 2021 in sugarcane fields near the village—habitats frequently used by leopards in Maharashtra as concealed nurseries for birthing and rearing young.

Local villagers first spotted the distressed cub and alerted forest officials. A veterinary examination by the Wildlife SOS team revealed a tail injury, suspected to have been caused by feral dogs.

Following standard protocol, authorities attempted to reunite the cub with its mother by placing it back at the site and monitoring the area using camera traps. However, after multiple attempts over several days yielded no results, the cub was presumed orphaned. Given the critical dependence of leopard cubs on maternal care in their early months, the animal—later named Simba—was shifted to MLRC for long-term rehabilitation.

Five years on, Simba has grown into a healthy adult and is among the prominent residents of the centre. He is housed in a spacious enclosure designed with environmental enrichments such as elevated platforms, wooden logs and vegetation to encourage natural behaviours including climbing and exploration. His diet is carefully regulated, and his health is monitored through routine veterinary care, including vaccinations and deworming.

Rescued in 2021 as a two-month-old cub from Kolwade village in the Sangamner forest range, Simba was found alone with no sign of his mother.

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said Simba’s rescue underscores the challenges faced by leopard cubs in fragmented habitats. “While every effort is made to reunite cubs with their mothers, in some cases intervention becomes necessary to ensure survival,” he said.

Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary of Wildlife SOS, said providing lifelong care to orphaned wild animals is a significant responsibility. “Simba’s journey reflects the sustained efforts of our team and the support extended towards ensuring the well-being of such animals,” she said.

Smita Rajhans, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Junnar Forest Division, described Simba as one of the most endearing residents of the centre. She noted that the division has consistently worked towards the care and management of leopards at MLRC and values its continued collaboration with Wildlife SOS.

Simba's enclosure is equipped with enrichments such as elevated platforms, wooden logs and vegetation, encouraging him to explore and display natural behaviour.

Established in 2002 by the Maharashtra Forest Department, the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre caters to leopards that are orphaned, injured or affected by human-wildlife conflict. It is currently jointly operated with Wildlife SOS. Simba’s five-year journey at the facility highlights the impact of timely intervention and sustained care in ensuring the survival and well-being of vulnerable wildlife.