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Himachal’s only snow leopard in captivity succumbs to cancer

Kajju, rescued from Kaza, was under care at Kufri’s Himalayan Nature Park

Kajju, aged 15, was not put on public display due to his critical condition and was named after Kaza, where he was found injured. (Express Photo)

Kajju, the only snow leopard in captivity in Himachal Pradesh, passed away at the quarantine centre of the Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a malignant form of bone cancer, last year, Kajju was being treated at the park after being rescued in November 2023 from Kaza in Lahaul and Spiti.

Kajju, aged 15, was not put on public display due to his critical condition and was named after Kaza, where he was found injured. “We did our best to save Kajju, but his age and health made treatment options like amputation too risky. His body was cremated following all procedures,” said a senior wildlife officer. At the time of rescue, Kajju had a deep wound on his front left leg, later confirmed to have cancer, and his two front canines were also damaged.

Sources revealed that plans to transfer Kajju to the Palampur College of Veterinary and Animal Science for advanced care were dropped due to his deteriorating health. Veterinarians focused on palliative care to ensure he was comfortable in his final days. “Without rescue and care, he would not have survived this long,” added the source.

Also Read | India’s snow leopard count: Why this Himalayan feat is only the first step to securing the cat

The Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri houses several wildlife species but no longer has a snow leopard in its care. Besides Kufri, snow leopards are held in captivity only at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling.

The snow leopard population in India currently stands at 718, with Ladakh having the largest share at 477. Himachal Pradesh is home to 51 snow leopards in the wild. In September 2024, The Indian Express had first reported Kajju’s diagnosis, detailing his conflict with villagers in Kaza, where he was stealing livestock, leading to his rescue.

Kajju’s story sheds light on the challenges of rescuing and caring for wildlife in conflict situations. While his passing marks the end of a chapter for the Himalayan Nature Park, it underscores the importance of protecting this vulnerable species, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is a journalist with The Indian Express, where he primarily covers developments in Himachal Pradesh. He has been associated with The Indian Express since 2017 and has earlier worked with The Times of India. He has 17 year + experience in the field of print journalism. An alumnus of Government College for Men, Sector 11, (Panjab University), Chandigarh, Saurabh holds a Diploma in Journalism from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Chandigarh. He pursued his Master’s in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar. In addition, he completed his law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. ... Read More

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snow leopard