Leopard Rescue Centre in Junnar bursts at seams, 113 big cats cramped in space meant for 45 in rule violation

Pune: Two adult leopards are sharing a 250sqm enclosure at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre, an arrangement that the Junnar forest division attributes to severe space crunch at the facility though it violates central guidelines. Set up for a maximum 45 leopards, the facility is currently home to 113 big cats, its highest tally in 25 years.Officials fear that the count would only rise in the wake of a series of leopard sightings in Pune city and also a surge in human-animal conflicts in the region.Captive leopard facilities in India are regulated under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines. For housing, the CZA prescribes a minimum enclosure size of 250sqm for a single adult leopard, with an additional 100sqm for each extra animal — meaning a pair typically requires 350-500sqm."We simply don't have a choice. We are doing our best by pairing animals of similar age and temperament after attempts to socialise them," a senior Junnar division official while admitting the norm violation. Established in 2001, the centre now holds some leopards in small temporary cages, severely restricting movement and heightening stress-induced aggression. "These are wild animals, not pets. Confinement, even for a few days, increases aggression and makes management dangerous for staff," another official said.The surge in rescues stems from daily human-leopard encounters in Junnar and nearby areas, where sugar cane fields and fragmented forests offer ideal cover. Frequent livestock attacks and sightings near villages have intensified public pressure to trap "problem" leopards — even when relocation may not be necessary. "The real challenge now is where to keep newly captured animals," a field officer said.The state is known for having one of the highest concentrations of leopards living outside protected areas, particularly in regions like Junnar, Ambegaon and Shirur. Sugar cane fields — tall, dense and cool — closely resemble natural habitats, leading to frequent encounters between humans and the big cats. Many animals brought to the Manikdoh centre include orphaned cubs discovered in fields, injured leopards rescued from traps or wells, those involved in human-wildlife conflict, and relocated from villages due to public pressure. While some can be rehabilitated and released, many are considered unsuitable for release because of severe injuries, behavioural issues, or human imprinting—requiring the centre to provide them permanent care."We are capturing two to three leopards every day. In the past two weeks alone, we've trapped 25," Smita Rajhans, assistant conservator of forest, Junnar, told TOI. "Villagers constantly demand captures, but we genuinely have no space left. On the ground, the situation is extremely tough," she said.Space isn't the only strain. Feeding over 100big cats is a logistical and financial burden too. Each leopard consumes about 3kg of chicken daily, requiring more than 300kg of poultry every 24 hours — an expense exceeding Rs 30,000 per day. The officials had hoped for relief from Vantara, a private wildlife facility that earlier agreed to take 10 leopards, but despite repeated follow-ups, there has been no response. "It's a private institution. We can't compel them," another forest official said. "We've written to zoos nationwide, and four have responded. At least 10 leopards will be shifted soon," Rajhans said.A proposal to build 40 additional enclosures at Manikdoh remains pending with state govt. "The work order has been issued and the project cost is around Rs 15 crore. Funds have, however. yet to be released," the official said.To tackle the situtaion, forest officials have called for a comprehensive, state-level strategy to mitigate conflicts, accelerate the development of permanent enclosures and enforce stricter protocols to avoid unnecessary leopard captures. "We cannot keep operating like this," another official said, adding, "Our teams are on the ground every day to handle village complaints, carry out rescues and manage the center. But with numbers this high, it's becoming unmanageable. We urgently need systemic support and sustainable, long-term solutions."