A severely injured leopard, rescued from a water channel in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), was handed over to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) for treatment, officials confirmed. The two-year-old female leopard was first spotted by villagers in the Haveli district, who alerted wildlife officials. The leopard was found unable to move its hind legs, with suspected internal injuries but no visible wounds.

Wildlife guards used traditional methods to safely capture the distressed animal due to a lack of modern equipment. The leopard was transported to a local veterinary center, but due to the facility’s limitations, the IWMB was contacted. The IWMB team arrived and took the animal to Islamabad for further medical treatment, where X-rays will determine the exact injuries and treatment needed.

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The incident highlights the challenges faced by AJK wildlife teams, who often lack proper equipment for such rescues. AJK’s Wildlife and Fisheries Department has rescued over 250 wild animals in recent years, including another leopard in July, which was successfully treated and released.

Officials hope this case raises awareness about the need for better resources and equipment for wildlife rescue teams in remote areas of AJK to handle increasing human-wildlife interactions.