Mysuru: DCF (Territorial) Karikalan on Monday said that the authorities tried to reunite the three leopard cubs which were rescued at Varkodu Village with their mother, but could not do so as they couldn’t come across the cubs’ mother.
Karikalan also informed that he will bring the incident to the notice of Principle Chief Conservator of Forest Hosmath and take a decision.
“Soon after recuing the cubs, we tried to reunite them with their mother. During night time, without villagers’ knowledge, we used to take the cubs to the village after 11pm and keep it in the place where they were found till 6pm. Our personnel used to keep an eye on the cubs with an expectation that their mother would come back. But even after three days, we couldn’t come across the mother,” said Karikalan.
He also mentioned that the rescue centre at Koorgalli is closed after 5pm, so they couldn’t take it to Koorgalli. Mysuru zoo is already full with ill animals and the treatment for them is on, he said.
“Currently, we are treating the cubs with the same doctor’s prescription. If these cubs are in forest, they will behave like leopard or else they will grow like a cat. We will speak to Hosmath and take the next step including shifting these cubs to Mysuru zoo or other place” added Karikalan.
The forest department officials are keeping the cubs at Aranya Bhavan in cardboard box from the past four days. They are being bottle fed. On Wednesday, the villagers noticed the three leopard cubs and alerted the forest personnel who took those cubs into their custody. Since then, the forest department is themselves treating the cubs in their office.
One cub in serious condition
On Monday, one of the leopard cubs whose health condition deteriorated was brought to city veterinary hospital for treatment. According to Dr Anil who is treating the cub said, “The condition of the cub is very serious. It is being given drips”. The chances of survival of the cub are bleak.
