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Leopard Cub Found Amongst Sugarcane is Reunited with its Mom

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Author Cayla de Souza, M.Sc. Ocean Sciences & Marine Biology

Leopard mom trying to save cub.
Leopard mom trying to save cub. Image by The Dodo via YouTube

While harvesting sugarcane, a group of farmers spot an adorable leopard cub amongst the cane. Farmers usually set fire to the sugarcane to clear the dense foliage. Only after the fire had burnt out did the farmers find the tiny leopard cub amongst the foliage.

A female leopard takes a nap while it cub licks and grooms its mother in Sabi Sands Game Reserve in greater Kruger National Park, South Africa.
A female leopard takes a nap while it cub licks and grooms its mother in Sabi Sands Game Reserve in greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. Image by EEI_Tony via Depositphotos

The Rescue of a Leopard Cub

Sugar cane plantation and fire.
Sugar cane plantation and fire. Image by mailsonpignata via Depositphotos

It seems the leopard mother had been unable to return to her cub because of the fires. Fortunately for the cub, the farmers called in animal rescue. Veterinarians came to check the cub’s health. The cub had sustained burns on its paws, which the vet attended to.

Reunion Strategy

Leopard. Image by Havranka via Depositphotos
Leopard. Image by Havranka via Depositphotos

The farmers were now faced with a challenge. How were they going to get the cub safely back to its mother? They knew the cub couldn’t simply be left in the open because of the threat of other predators. They decided that the cub could be placed in a protective cage near the area where it was found, hoping the mother would return for her offspring.

The Mother’s Return

A camera was set up to monitor the cage and capture the mother’s return. Eventually, the mother comes into the frame. She has returned to try to find her baby. The leopard is desperate to get her cub back. She starts pawing and biting the cage and finally frees her cub. She quickly scooped her cub back in her mouth and left, relieved to have found her baby.

YouTube video

Leopard Maternal Instincts

Leopards have complex emotions. The video shows the mother’s protective nature towards her offspring. The leopard knew precisely where to return to find her cub, and you could clearly see her panic when she found her cub trapped.

Conservation Insights

Leopard mother tries to get cub back
Leopard mother tries to get cub back. Image by The Dodo via YouTube

Unfortunately, agricultural practices threaten wildlife. This emotional video shows the impact agriculture might have on wild animals. The farmer’s quick and responsible response to the situation ensured the the safety of both the cub and leopard.

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