Mumbai: SGNP witnesses fourth leopard death this year

The year is nearly at an end, but the death toll of captive animals in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) continues to rise with the death of yet another leopard. The sub-adult female had been brought to the national park nearly three months ago after she was rescued from a septic tank in Kasara.

Read Story: SGNP loses its fourth leopard in 3 months

The sub-adult female had stopped eating two days before her death on November 29The sub-adult female had stopped eating two days before her death on November 29

The nearly three-year-old leopard was the fourth to die in SGNP this year alone. In addition, the national park also witnessed the death of two Bengal tigers and two white tigers this year.

The female leopard passed away on November 29 after battling a serious infection. mid-day had reported earlier how she had fallen into a 15-ft-deep septic tank in Kasara's Dhobipada, after which a team comprising SGNP and Thane Forest Department officials performed a 2-hour rescue operation after tranquilising the big cat (‘Leopard rescued from 15-ft deep septic tank in Kasara', September 17).

However, the officials noted that the leopard had an old injury on her tail and she was put under treatment at SGNP.

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Speaking to mid-day, the national park's veterinarian, Dr Sanjiv Pinjarkar said, "From the time the leopard was brought to SGNP, it had a serious injury on its tail with a major infection. We took all possible efforts to save the animal, not only by giving her proper medical treatment but also a healthy diet. Unfortunately, we were not able to save her."

According to the authorities, she had a severely infected wound in her tail, where the fur and skin had peeled off. Because of this, every time the leopard relieved herself, the tail got further soiled and infected.

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However, according to a member of the FD team, who was present at the time of the rescue, said that the leopard might have survived if greater care had been taken. "I am not saying that the authorities did not make any efforts to save the animal, but if more effort had been put in, there was a chance of saving the animal."