Critically injured leopard rescued from Azad Jammu Kashmir, battles for survival

ISLAMABAD: A severely injured female leopard is fighting for her life at the Islamabad Wildlife Rescue Center (IWRC) after being rescued from a water channel in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) Haveli area on September 7.

The wild cat was discovered by wildlife guards from the Azad Kashmir Wildlife Department, who carefully captured and transported her to the IWRC for urgent medical attention.

Upon examination, veterinarians at the IWRC discovered four bullet wounds in the leopard’s body through X-ray imaging. Despite successfully extracting one bullet, the remaining three bullets pose a significant threat to the leopard’s survival.

Two bullets are lodged near the spine, while the third is situated near the chest.

Initially, the leopard exhibited no visible external wounds or bleeding, but her inability to stand or move her hind legs suggested severe internal injuries.

The rescue team employed traditional methods to secure the animal, using a rope and net to minimize stress and prevent further harm.

The IWRC team is working tirelessly to save the leopard’s life, but her condition has recently taken a turn for the worse.

The lack of specialized equipment, such as a dart gun, complicated the rescue process, highlighting the need for enhanced resources to support wildlife conservation efforts in the region.

The IWRC remains committed to providing the best possible care for the injured leopard, and her condition continues to be closely monitored. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting Pakistan’s precious wildlife and the need for increased support for conservation initiatives.