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A lioness is seen with a month-and-a-half old leopard cub in Gujarat’s Gir forest. (Credit: DCF Gir West)[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Jan. 4: In what could be a case of a mother’s instinctive love for young ones that transcends her own, a lioness in Gujarat’s Gir forest has “adopted” a month-and-a-half old leopard cub that has been separated from its mother.
The Gujarat forest officials have said that the lioness has been feeding and protecting the leopard cub for the last six days.
Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF) Gir West division Dheeraj Mittal has shared the rare phenomenon along with pictures and videos on social media. The leopard cub can be seen with the lioness and its cubs.
"It is indeed a rare phenomenon, as lions tend to kill leopards. In this case, it is quite opposite to what we know about big cats. The lioness is taking extra care of a leopard cub. The lioness is even protecting it from lions present in the area," Mittal told PTI.
"We are also surprised to see how a leopard cub understands the signs and sounds of a mother lioness. While roaming around, the lioness is taking extra care as she understands that the leopard cub is not able to match her pace or that of her cubs," he added.
Mittal said that the leopard cub could have been abandoned by its mother or got lost accidentally. He also said that the mother leopard could be around but afraid to go near the lioness that is taking care of its cub.
Chief Conservator of Forest, D T Vasavada, said that the forest staff is keeping a close watch on this unique bond.
"We are having no plans to retrieve the cub. We will not interfere with nature. But we are keeping a close watch on the lioness," said Vasavada.
Mittal shared the story of the unusual bond on Thursday on social media under the caption: “Leopard Mowgli and Lioness Raksha! One of its kind and amazing event in Gir Forest- Nature’s Wonderland.”
“An unprecedented story is in the making in the lap of Gir, where a leopard cub is reared and protected by a large-hearted mother lioness along with her two cubs,” he wrote. “The lioness is taking extra care as she understands that the leopard cub is not able match her pace and her cubs. The male lions are roaring in the area and mother is guarding them. It's mind-blowing.”
“Gir is a treasure of natural wonder and perhaps this event is the Kohinor of them all. Kudos to team of forest staff who observed this keenly and I'm fortunate to witness such a natural wonder,” he added.
(With inputs from PTI)