Leopard cub finds love in animal keeper

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Leopard cub finds love in animal keeper
A male leopard cub rescued from a jungle is now under special care at the Nandankanan Zoo near Bhubaneswar. The infant which was brought to the zoo in an extremely weak condition is doing much better now thanks to the medical attention and regular feeding.

But more than anything else, it's the loving care of the animal keeper who's playing the mother that has kept the tiny big cat in good health and humour.

''In the last few years, we have reared seven leopard cubs but this is too young and with hardly any immunity. We are ensuring that it does not attract infection and gets proper food,'' says Bijay Mohapatra, Range Officer, Sanctuary Management, Nandankanan.

And the animal keepers too are happy.

''This leopard cub was found moving alone in a forest in Phulbani by kendu leaf pluckers. Now it's under special care at the Nandankanan zoo,'' says Bijay Majhi, Animal Keeper.

The cub is now being given lactogen and multivitamins. But more than anything else, it seems the motherly care of the animal keeper has made the difference.

Bijay Majhi has reared 4 leopard cubs before, but this one is special.

''The cub believes that I am its mother and I too reciprocate. If I don't treat him as my child, it won't survive,'' he says.

Soon, it will be in the company of six other adult leopards who were also rescued from the wild and brought up here. But for now, it's enjoying the time spent with Bijay.

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