The PfA Wildlife Hospital says the cubs have been stabilized and supported with an age-appropriate nutritional formula after missing several infant cycles. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
One of four rescued leopard cubs being fed at the PfA Wildlife Hospital in Bengaluru on Tuesday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The PfA Wildlife Hospital in Bengaluru on Tuesday rescued four abandoned leopard cubs near the Big Banyan Tree in Tavarekere.
The hospital said in a release that the cubs were found abandoned due to human activity.
“Upon receiving the call, authorities immediately activated their rapid response team, which arrived at the scene within 30 minutes. The area was thoroughly checked for signs of the mother’s return before the cubs were handed over for medical attention,” it said.
The cubs, three females and one male, approximately five to seven days old, were found dehydrated and taken to hospital, where ultrasonography confirmed no internal injuries.
He added that the cubs were stabilized and supported with an age-appropriate nutritional formula after missing several infant cycles.
“Leopard mothers rarely choose to abandon their cubs. They are often forced to leave by increasing human presence. Our responsibility is to intervene only when necessary and then retreat to allow nature to reconnect. Tonight we are trying to give the mother the best chance to return to her cubs,” said Colonel Nawaz Shariff, Chief Wildlife Veterinarian, PfA Wildlife Hospital.
The rescue operation was launched after Ravi, deputy forest officer of the forest department, alerted the hospital about the vulnerable cubs.
The hospital is preparing to return the cubs to their original location for a monitored reunification attempt. To help the mother locate them, PfA said recorded vocalizations of the cubs will be played intermittently and urine odor collected from the cubs will be strategically placed to facilitate identification.
It added that the teams will maintain their distance to minimize the presence of people and stress.
“These cubs deserve a chance to grow up in the wild where they belong. We are committed to helping make that possible,” said Dr. Shariff.
Published – 30 Dec 2025 22:26 IST
