A female leopard, critically injured and in worsening condition, was recently rescued from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and is currently receiving medical treatment at the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board’s (IWMB) rescue center.
The leopard was found on September 7 in a water channel in the Haveli district of AJK by wildlife guards from the Azad Kashmir Wildlife Department. After her rescue, she was handed over to the Islamabad Wildlife Rescue Center (IWRC), where veterinarians began her treatment.
An X-ray revealed that the leopard had been shot four times, with bullets lodged in her body. One of the bullets has been successfully removed by the veterinary team, but two remain dangerously close to her spine, and one is lodged near her chest. Despite their efforts, her condition has worsened since her arrival at the center.
When initially rescued, the leopard showed no visible external injuries or bleeding but was unable to stand or move her hind legs, suggesting significant internal damage. The rescue team was able to capture the distressed animal by securing a rope around her neck and encaging her safely in a net. However, due to a lack of specialized equipment, such as a dart gun, the team was forced to rely on traditional, less precise methods to capture and transport the animal.
The leopard’s deteriorating health has become a serious concern for the medical team at IWRC, who continue to work tirelessly to stabilize her condition. The incident highlights the challenges faced by wildlife rescue teams operating in difficult conditions, as well as the need for better resources and equipment to handle such delicate rescues.
The future of the leopard remains uncertain as doctors monitor her recovery closely.
