Orphaned leopard cub recovering in Hartbeespoort
A recently rescued orphaned and malnourished leopard cub is on a special diet of fresh meat and supplements.
An orphaned leopard cub was rescued and is safe at the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre in Hartbeespoort after its mother presumably died.
Kormorant reports that the lone cub, between five and seven months old, was spotted on a farm at an undisclosed location, and the farm’s owner contacted the environmental affairs department.
“Over a period of weeks, the situation was monitored to ensure the mother was not around and that the cub was on its own. Food was put out in a cage and after it was determined that the cub was probably the only survivor, and considering her malnourished condition, it was decided to trap her and bring her to the safety of the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre to be stabilised,” says Petro van Eeden from the centre.
It is presumed that the mother and other cubs died.
John Power from the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) collected the cub, believed to be female.
“She was assessed by Dr Peter Caldwell, who works closely with the centre and the department, to make sure she has no injuries. We are assuming that she is female, but right now, we do not want to stress her out by sedating her to double-check. This will be done at her final health check before her release,” Van Eeden says.
“She is malnourished and skinny. She is on a special diet of fresh meat and supplements and is monitored closely. She will stay at the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre while she gets stronger and improves both her health and body condition. She will eventually be released back into a safe conservation area,” he adds.
The cub is the 15th leopard the centre has assisted over the past two years, with successful outcomes.
“Thank you to DEDECT for giving us the opportunity to be part of this project and to make a small difference. All the big cats need help and we are very happy to provide that,” Van Eeden says.
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Read original story on kormorant.co.za
