Three-week-old leopard cub rescued to Nandankanan Zoo

By Sarada Lahangir

Nandankanan (Orissa), May 30 : A three-week-old leopard cub that was found abandoned in Phulberi forest area has been brought to Nandankanan Zoo and is being tended by an expert veterinarian and caretakers for care. .

A villager in the Phulbari Range forest first noticed the cub that had spots all over its body and it was ultimately handed over by his village head to the Forest Department.

It was than shifted to the Nandankanan Zoological Park for care since it has a team of veterinarians and trained keepers.

"We have this leopard cub which was received from Phulbari Forest station. It reached Nandankanan zoo on the May 15. It was abandoned by its mother and found by some local villager," said Ajit Patnaik, the Director of Nandankanan Zoological Park.

Veterinarians have suggested round-the-clock care of the cub for at lest eight weeks.

An experienced keeper has been entrusted with the task of tending this cub. A separate room in the zoo cottage, located amidst lush green, has been arranged for this little VVIP guest.

"The keeper loves to rear such orphaned cubs. I think that is very important because the cub is separated from its mother. Psychologically, now it needs constant patting, feeding and company. At the same time, to prevent it from infections our veterinarian doctor is checking the cub everyday."

The cub is at a critical stage. Everyone at the zoo is determined to save this cub.

The cub, who is under a close watch of the zoo staff, is fed once in three hours. To avoid disturbances to the cub, no one is allowed to visit this cub as yet.

"I am feeding him after every three hours. This cub needs more affection because it is separated from the mother so it requires a motherly affection. I am trying to provide it and pamper it so that it will create a bond between me and the cub," said Bijay Majhi, keeper, Nandankanan zoo.

A veterinarian visits the cub twice a day, as this period is very critical for the cub because cubs are prone to infection.

Earlier, in a similar case, two abandoned leopard cub were successfully reared at the Nandakanan zoo.

The authorities hope this cub too will survive.

ANI