17-year-old leopard dies of old age at SGNP

A 17-year-old female captive leopard, called Radha, died of old age at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) on Saturday night.

"The leopard has been undergoing treatment for the past three weeks, but could not walk properly. In fact, her hind limbs were paralysed. Radha barely ate in the days leading up to her death," said Dr Shailesh Pethe, Veterinary Officer, SGNP.

Pethe said the leopard was brought to SGNP from Radhanagri at Kolhapur in 2004 after she was trapped as an adult leopard at the age of three or four.

According to forest department officials, the normal lifespan of a leopard is around 12 to 14 years in captivity. However, since these big cats get good food and proper medical treatment, some of them may live long. But, they could become susceptible to multiple age-related issues.

Currently, SGNP houses 13 leopards in its rescue centre.