by Richard Lasrado
Pics by Vikram Lobo

Mangalore: In about a month's time from now, a new entrant will be on show at the Pilikula Nisarga Dhama at Moodushedde on the outskirts of the city.

It  is a cute little leopard cub, which about three months ago had either strayed away from the rest of the litter or been by chance left behind by its mother in a forest area at Kandavar, near Kinnikambla-Kaikamba, also on the outskirts. Some passersby had spotted it and handed it to the care and custody of the Pilikula wildlife personnel.  

"Feeding from the bottle....."

"...in full throttle" - with Vikram Lobo

"

"Quick, man, I can't go on posing for long..."

"Oh, yummy, wish I could eat meat like they do..."

"Hey, who goes there?"

"Aren't you tired of clicking? I had enough of sitting like this..."

"I love this greenery around, but once home I like to play hide-and-seek..."

"Wait a minute, I am watching Animal Planet channel.."

"Didn't I tell you not to disturb me when I watch my favourite programme?"

"Don't dare come here, I should be the only one getting all attention..."

"Look what they have given me to play with instead of toys!"

When it was found it was hardly 15 days old and had not even opened its eyes properly. After it was brought over, it was being given only bottled milk.

It is looked after by the staff at Pilikula, especially scientist Vikram Lobo and animal handler Dinesh, with so much of tender love and care that it has developed a deep attachment towards all the staff, almost like any other pet attached to the family members.

Wildlife director Jayaprakash Bhandary says that it has turned very mischievous and friendly, running around and chasing the humans. Since the little cub has been living only on milk for so long, what about its inborn carnivorous nature, we asked. Bhandary says its hunting instincts could gradually get stunted. Slowly, it is being fed with cat food. After some time, there is a plan to switch over to solid food and meat.

It is being regularly vaccinated to ensure its immunity against diseases and infections.

At times pushy and perky, the chirpy cub runs around so comfortably with everyone there. After all, it has spent all its life so far with the humans. Whether and how, once it grows up, it will adjust itself with other future mates from the wild  is yet to be seen. To have it conditioned to a new living ambience will be a challenge not only to the little one but also the wildlife experts at Pilikula.

For the time being, only a few are giving the cub company. The public will have to wait for a month or so to have a look at it. Incidentally, it does not have a name, not as yet. A sponsor is said to have come forward to adopt it and the little animal will get a name of the sponsor's choice, says Bhandary.

All said and done, the cub, which was saved by sheer chance, could not have asked for a better place and better caretakers.

Also read:

• Mangalore: Foreign Visitors, New Arrivals - It's All Happening at Pilikula