Leopard Cub’s Heartwarming Rescue in Himachal Pradesh

A 20- to 25-day-old female leopard cub, found shivering and abandoned by the roadside in Kotkhai, Shimla, was rescued by local resident Ankush Chauhan in a compassionate act that has captured hearts online. The cub, discovered in Tharola village, was safely transported to Theog Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Manish Rampal on Saturday, August 9, after Chauhan observed its deteriorating condition and the threat of wild dogs.

Chauhan, a Kotkhai native, spotted the cub in bushes and waited two days for its mother to return. “We realized it was no longer safe; it was time to act,” he told The Tribune, carefully placing the cub in his car after consulting forest officials. A viral video shared on X by user @iNikhilsaini shows the cub curiously peering out the car window, earning widespread praise for Chauhan’s humanity. “Good to see humanity still alive, as such rare animals are often killed for their teeth and skin,” Saini wrote.

DFO Manish Rampal confirmed the cub, under significant stress but healthy, was examined by a veterinarian and is stable. “Our priority is to reunite it with its mother, not send it to a zoo,” Rampal told Hindustan Times. Forest officials are monitoring the site for three days, following wildlife protocols, to locate the mother. If unsuccessful, the cub will be relocated to a sanctuary, as leopard cubs rely heavily on maternal care for survival skills.

Also Read: Tragic Gorge Crash Kills Three in Mandi!

India hosts the world’s largest leopard population, approximately 13,874, with Himachal Pradesh reporting 345 leopards in its 2022 census. The state’s forests face challenges from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, with 127 conflict incidents recorded in 2024. Recent rescues, including a leopard cub near Shimla’s Chakkar court on November 27, 2024, and a snow leopard cub in Manali on February 5, 2025, highlight ongoing conservation efforts.

Social media reactions on X lauded Chauhan but raised concerns about separating the cub from its mother, with users like @WildLifeLover suggesting forest officials should have been called first. The rescue underscores the critical role of community action in protecting India’s wildlife amid growing threats like poaching and habitat encroachment.

Also Read: Himachal CM Sukhu Seeks Forest Norm Relaxation for Flood-Hit Families