Leh: A heartening success story in Ladakh’s wildlife conservation efforts unfolded as the Department of Wildlife Protection, UT Ladakh, successfully released a rehabilitated male Snow Leopard back into its natural habitat near Ney Phu on June 18, 2025.
The Snow Leopard had been rescued on June 7, following a week-long operation after it was found roaming near Ney village. The animal had reportedly attacked livestock and was frequently seen entering homes and sheds, causing panic among residents. A swift response team, led by officials from the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC), Leh, captured the injured animal after days of monitoring and careful trapping.
Upon rescue, the Snow Leopard was discovered to be severely wounded, suffering from facial injuries and multiple wounds—likely caused by a territorial fight with another leopard. The animal also showed signs of weakness and was underweight, weighing only 27 kg at the time.
At WRRC Leh, a team led by Dr. Diskit Yangzom administered immediate and ongoing medical care, which included treatment for internal and external parasites, wound cleaning, and a nutritional recovery diet enriched with multivitamins. Health monitoring was done with minimal human interaction to help the animal retain its natural wild instincts.
The rehabilitation process continued for over two months, allowing the leopard to recover both physically and behaviorally. By the time of its release, it had made a remarkable recovery, weighing 37.8 kg and exhibiting natural wild behavior.
This rescue and release operation is a testament to the commitment and growing expertise of Ladakh’s wildlife protection teams. The department has expressed hope that the Snow Leopard will reintegrate successfully into its natural territory and contribute to the fragile but precious high-altitude ecosystem of Ladakh.
