Lost Leopard Cub Gets an Unlikely Car Ride as Himachal Man Drives It to Forest Officials

By Raajwrita Dutta 11 August 2025

In Kotkhai, Himachal Pradesh, a young leopard cub, around 20-25 days old, was spotted alone, trembling beside a forest road.

Image courtesy: Hindustan Times

The cub appeared weak, disoriented, and visibly stressed. With no mother in sight, the chances of survival were fading fast.

A local steps forward Ankush Chauhan, a nearby resident, noticed the cub’s condition and decided to help. He acted swiftly but with gentleness, not to scare the cub.

Image Courtesy: The Tribune

A safe seat for the cub Chauhan carefully placed the leopard cub in the front seat of his car and began the journey to the forest department’s office in Theog.

At the DFO Theog office, forest officials received the cub and called in a veterinarian to check its health.

TThe vet found the cub stressed but stable. Officials confirmed that it was otherwise unharmed and in good physical condition.

Waiting for the mother Forest officials plan to keep the cub near the area for up to three days, giving the mother a chance to return and reclaim it.

Officials praised Chauhan’s compassion, calling his response an example of how local citizens can support wildlife conservation.

One kind gesture may help a lost cub return home, to the wild, and its waiting mother.