An elderly male leopard at Gandhi Prani Udyan in Gwalior has stopped eating solid food as his health continues to deteriorate, prompting zoo management to put together a round-the-clock medical team and shift him to a liquid diet. The animal is approximately 20 years old — well into the upper range of a leopard's natural lifespan — and has been showing signs of declining health for some time.

Zoo in-charge Dr. Yadav said the leopard has completely refused solid food due to his illness. Veterinarians have adjusted his diet accordingly, providing chicken soup, other nutritious liquids, and supplements to ensure he receives the nourishment his body needs. Dedicated staff have been assigned to monitor him at all times, tracking his movement, food intake, and response to medication.

Zoo officials expressed hope that the leopard's condition would improve with sustained care and treatment, though given his age, the situation remains a concern.

The animal's history at the zoo stretches back eight years. In 2018, he was rescued from the Soncheraiya Sanctuary area near Ghatigaon after falling into a well and sustaining severe injuries. Both his forepaws were so badly damaged in the accident that they had to be amputated. He was brought to Gandhi Prani Udyan for treatment and subsequent care, and has remained there since, unable to be returned to the wild.

For an animal that has already survived such trauma and adapted to life without forepaws, the current health challenge is being taken seriously by the zoo's medical staff. His condition is being reviewed continuously, and further updates are awaited.