A baby leopard returns to its natural habitat in a true rescue success. Thanks to the work of a specialized center in Colombia, the feline was under special care for a year. Now it returns to the jungle.
It is a female Andean mountain cat (Leopardus trigrinus), rescued in October 2023. The video of the animal and its recovery has already gone viral on social media and moves everyone.
The Center for Attention, Assessment, and Rehabilitation (CAVR) of the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley was in charge of the specimen’s rehabilitation.
A baby leopard returns to its habitat: the rescue story
The finding was made by CORPOURABÁ personnel, who transferred it to CAVR due to its lethargic state, dehydration, and low weight.
Paula Andrea Palacio Salazar, director of the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley, highlighted the importance of this rehabilitation process. She detailed that the animal arrived at only four months old and in very deteriorated physical conditions.
In the neonatal room, a milk replacer was supplied to meet its nutritional needs. This process was not only vital for its feeding, but also to teach it to see humans as a threat. This is a crucial step for its future independence in nature.
A year-long process
For over seven months, the Andean mountain cat underwent a rigorous program of physical, sensory, and nutritional enrichment.
This program included teachings on how to hunt and find shelters, essential skills for its autonomous survival in its ecosystem.
Thanks to the combined efforts of veterinarians, biologists, zootechnicians, and caregivers from CAVR, the animal managed to triple its initial weight and regain its characteristic vitality.
Jorge David Tamayo, general director of CORPOURABÁ, expressed his satisfaction with the achievement. “We invite the community to contribute to a healthy ecosystem by avoiding the captivity of these species,” he stated.
Characteristics of the Andean mountain cat
The Andean mountain cat or Andean tiger cat is a carnivorous mammal species of the Felidae family. It is nocturnal and inhabits tropical forests in Central and South America.
The Andean mountain cat hunts rodents and birds. Normally, the mother only has one cub, but they can have up to three.
It is one of the least known species in the country, which is why its preservation is also crucial. The success of this release process marks a significant milestone in efforts for the conservation of wildlife in the region.
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