Sensation prevailed among the people when a one-and-a-half years old leopardess was found in the premises of Vinoba Bhavan Hospital at Savangi-Meghe situated near Wardha on Monday morning. An employee found the sub-adult carnivore on the roof top of the hospital around 10.30 am. Soon after learning the news, the management closed the doors and windows of the hospital.
The officials immediately informed Forest Department, who also told the policemen and People for Animals. Rupesh Khedkar, Range Forest Officer, Wardha, along with his field staff members rushed to the spot for rescue of the wild animal. Meanwhile, policemen, rapid response team and volunteers of People for Animals also reached there. Curious onlookers gathered at a the spot to have a view of the leopardess but the cops controlled them in order to undertake forestmen rescue operation.
When contacted Khedkar told The Live Nagpur that the forestmen searched for the big cat in the premises and found it sitting on a tree. They tried to shoo it that made the animal jump and hide in a nearby drainage. The rescue team put up nets both sides and released oxygen in the drainage. The operation continued till 3.30 pm when a dart was fired through trainquilising gun at the animal, making it unconscious. He denied that the leopardess had attacked any person in the hospital premises, he added.
Forestmen put the leopardess in the rescue van and took to the centre of People for Animals, where it is under close observation. The veterinarian administered saline, examined the body and found no injuries. After getting fitness certificate, forestmen will release the leopardess in the wilderness. Khandekar could not tell whether the animal has come from Bor Tiger Reserve or elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Rakesh Sepat, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Wardha. And G P Bobde, Assistant Conservator of Forest, supervised the operation and gave necessary instructions to the staff for successful exercise.
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