‘Malka’, The Queen Leopard, Dies After Fatal Gunshot In AJK

APP

Islamabad: A female leopard, known as Malka (Queen), rescued from Haveli District in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), tragically passed away during rehabilitation efforts by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) on Thursday.

A gunshot wound near her heart proved fatal for the wildcat despite intensive care.

The AJK Wildlife Department had rescued the severely injured leopard after she was shot, severely damaging her spinal cord. Her rear paws were also injured, rendering her unable to stand or walk properly.

IWMB Spokesperson reported that medical experts had successfully removed one bullet from the leopard’s body, but three additional bullets or slugs still remained, ultimately causing her death.

“One shot hit Malka near the heart and another near the spinal cord. Veterinarians had already indicated minimal chances of recovery, but we gave our best efforts because we wanted to give her a fighting chance,” IWMB official stated.

The IWMB has informed the AJK Wildlife Department of the leopard’s passing. The Wildlife Department has initiated legal action against the individual responsible for the shooting.

The leopard’s body was transferred to the Pakistan Museum of Natural History in collaboration with the AJK Wildlife Department, where her taxidermy will be preserved for research and educational purposes.

“We informed the AJK Wildlife Department that it was a 12-bore shotgun fired from close range with an SG or LG cartridge,” the official added.

IWMB official clarified that only wild animals considered significant for research and educational purposes undergo taxidermy, while those posing risks of communicable or viral diseases are buried.

Taxidermy is crucial for advancing research and education, helping to enhance knowledge about wild species.