Leopard strays into Mansarovar Colony, Rescued by Forest Team
A leopard strayed into Mansarovar Colony, behind the Devguradia hillock, on Thursday afternoon, sending locals into a state of panic. The incident, which unfolded around 3 pm, triggered a rapid response from the Forest Department's Ralamandal rescue team, led by Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) Yohan Katara.
Upon receiving the alert at 3 pm, Katara immediately mobilized a rescue team of 15-16 officers, including rangers, and instructed them to rush to the scene. The team arrived at the spot around 4 pm, where they quickly assessed the situation and began implementing their rescue plan.
The leopard was found hiding in a house named Nirmala Dheen. “We had to act quickly as the animal was hiding in a residential area. We could not afford to take any risks,” said Yohan Katara, SDO Forest. To contain the situation, the rescue team surrounded the area, carefully securing the perimeter with a large net.
The forest team knew that the key to a successful rescue was ensuring the safety of both the public and the animal. The team took immediate steps to sedate the leopard by administering a dosage of Zyllium, a tranquilizer that would allow them to safely capture the animal without causing it distress.
“Once we had the animal sedated, we were able to approach it safely,” Katara explained. “We had to be cautious not to startle it. It’s crucial that we avoid any aggression or injury to the animal during such operations.”
After the sedative took effect, the team placed the leopard into a secure cage. Within two hours of arriving at the scene, the rescue was complete. The team transported the animal to Ralamandal, where it was scheduled for a full medical examination.
“We are relieved that the operation was successful without any harm to the leopard or the people in the vicinity,” said Katara. “The priority was to ensure public safety and the welfare of the animal. Our team worked in close coordination to make sure everything went smoothly.”
The rescued leopard is now under observation, and authorities will monitor its health closely. In initial observations, the leopard is a male and estimated to be two years old, as per Katara. "After the effect of tranquilizer wears off, we will release the leopard in his natural habitat," he said.
A leopard strayed into Mansarovar Colony, behind the Devguradia hillock, on Thursday afternoon, sending locals into a state of panic. The incident, which unfolded around 3 pm, triggered a rapid response from the Forest Department's Ralamandal rescue team, led by Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) Yohan Katara.
Upon receiving the alert at 3 pm, Katara immediately mobilized a rescue team of 15-16 officers, including rangers, and instructed them to rush to the scene. The team arrived at the spot around 4 pm, where they quickly assessed the situation and began implementing their rescue plan.
The leopard was found hiding in a house named Nirmala Dheen. “We had to act quickly as the animal was hiding in a residential area. We could not afford to take any risks,” said Yohan Katara, SDO Forest. To contain the situation, the rescue team surrounded the area, carefully securing the perimeter with a large net.
The forest team knew that the key to a successful rescue was ensuring the safety of both the public and the animal. The team took immediate steps to sedate the leopard by administering a dosage of Zyllium, a tranquilizer that would allow them to safely capture the animal without causing it distress.
“Once we had the animal sedated, we were able to approach it safely,” Katara explained. “We had to be cautious not to startle it. It’s crucial that we avoid any aggression or injury to the animal during such operations.”
After the sedative took effect, the team placed the leopard into a secure cage. Within two hours of arriving at the scene, the rescue was complete. The team transported the animal to Ralamandal, where it was scheduled for a full medical examination.
“We are relieved that the operation was successful without any harm to the leopard or the people in the vicinity,” said Katara. “The priority was to ensure public safety and the welfare of the animal. Our team worked in close coordination to make sure everything went smoothly.”
The rescued leopard is now under observation, and authorities will monitor its health closely. In initial observations, the leopard is a male and estimated to be two years old, as per Katara. "After the effect of tranquilizer wears off, we will release the leopard in his natural habitat," he said.
Katara also emphasized that the Forest Department is taking proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future as urban sprawl encroaches upon wildlife habitats.
“Our team has successfully rescued several wild animals in similar situations, but this incident highlights the growing need for better wildlife management as human settlements expand,” Katara remarked.
Leopard rescues in Indore
“Our team has successfully rescued several wild animals in similar situations, but this incident highlights the growing need for better wildlife management as human settlements expand,” Katara remarked.
Leopard rescues in Indore
Year No of leopards rescued
2021 5
2022 10
2023 3
2024 7
There have been 25 leopard rescue operations in Indore in the last four years. The trend of leopards straying in Indore’s boundaries points to a rising human-animal conflict, as we extend our territory, reducing forest area.
All wild animals rescued from ten districts
Year No of animals rescued
2021 34
2022 42
2023 34
2024 24