RIP Ganesh

Last month, Ganesh, the blind, geriatric leopard who was a victim of human-wildlife conflict in Maharashtra, died peacefully of old age at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre. In 2023, with the help of supporters of savewildlife.art, we raised money to adopt Ganesh and help care for him in his twilight years. After a hard life where he lost his eyesight in an incident with an angry village mob (Read Ganesh's Story here), his rescue and rehabilitation by Wildlife SOS, allowed him dignity, safety and comfort in his last years.

Ganesh © WSOS

Suvidha Bhatnagar from Wildlife SOS, said of his passing,

"Ganesh passed away peacefully at our Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) due to old age. Being a geriatric leopard, our team was constantly monitoring his health, ensuring that he was surrounded by care, love and comfort until his last moments.

He was a gentle soul with a deep, endearing presence at the centre. Despite having severe impairment in both his eyes, he moved with a quiet confidence that was heartwarming to watch for those around him. He would instinctively recognise voices and presence of those who cared for him. 

As you may know, leopards are typically solitary animals, but Ganesh defied this instinct by forming a rare and gentle bond with another handicapped and now geriatric leopard, Vitthal. Their companionship was deeply moving and well known to those who cared for them. While Ganesh’s passing will naturally leave a void in Vitthal’s life, we would like to reassure you that he is doing okay. Our veterinary and caregiver teams are closely monitoring him and ensuring he receives the care, comfort, and space he needs as he adjusts and mourns in peace.

Although Ganesh’s life might have started with hardship, he came to us when he was around 3 years old and spent a fulfilled life knowing safety, dignity and peace. His calm nature and resilient spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of caring for him, and his absence is felt deeply by his caregivers and veterinarians."

RIP Ganesh.