"Kajju, 15, named after Kaza where he was found injured, was kept out of public view due to his critical condition. (DT Photo)"
(Shimla) Himachal Pradesh, Kumud Sharma, January 25:
Kajju, the sole snow leopard in captivity in Himachal Pradesh, passed away at the quarantine center of the Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri. The 15-year-old leopard had been battling osteosarcoma, a malignant bone cancer, since being diagnosed last year. Kajju had been rescued in November 2023 from Kaza in Lahaul and Spiti, where he was found injured, and had been under the care of the park’s team. Despite efforts to treat him, his condition deteriorated, and he ultimately succumbed to the illness.
Kajju, aged 15, was kept out of the public eye due to his deteriorating health and was named after Kaza, where he was found injured. A senior wildlife officer stated, “We did our best to save Kajju, but his age and health made treatments like amputation too risky.” Despite the team’s efforts, his condition worsened. At the time of his rescue, Kajju had a severe wound on his front left leg, which was later diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, both of his front canines were damaged. Following his passing, Kajju’s body was cremated with all the necessary procedures.
Sources disclosed that plans to transfer Kajju to the Palampur College of Veterinary and Animal Science for more advanced treatment were abandoned as his health continued to decline. Instead, veterinarians shifted their focus to palliative care, ensuring Kajju was as comfortable as possible during his final days. “Without rescue and care, he would not have survived this long,” a source noted, emphasizing the vital role the team’s efforts played in extending his life.
The Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri, which is home to a variety of wildlife species, no longer houses a snow leopard following Kajju’s passing. Outside of Kufri, the only other place where snow leopards are held in captivity is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling. This highlights the rarity of snow leopards in captivity across the country, with both parks being key institutions for the conservation and care of these endangered animals.
India’s snow leopard population currently numbers 718, with Ladakh hosting the largest share of 477. Himachal Pradesh is home to 51 snow leopards in the wild. In September 2024, The Diary Times was the first to report Kajju’s diagnosis, revealing his ongoing conflict with villagers in Kaza, where he was reportedly stealing livestock. This conflict led to his eventual rescue, highlighting the challenges faced by snow leopards as they come into contact with human settlements.
Kajju’s story highlights the significant challenges involved in rescuing and caring for wildlife in conflict situations. His passing not only marks the end of a chapter for the Himalayan Nature Park but also emphasizes the urgent need to protect this vulnerable species. As a snow leopard, Kajju was listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, reflecting the critical conservation efforts needed to safeguard these majestic creatures from further threats posed by human-wildlife conflicts and environmental pressures.
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