A cheetah cub, Nirva’s son, has died in Morena District, MP after being brought to see him with gunshot wounds at 19 months of age. It was taken to Kuno National Park for treatment but died Tuesday morning, officials said.
Medical Examination Confirms Gunshot Wounds
The cub was found wounded and taken to a cub cub rattrap factory in the Pahargarh range in Morena as a first step in rescue mission. First reports indicate that it had been beat with sticks causing injuries on its back. Later a detailed examination by the vet, however, revealed the gunshot wounds of the animal.
Scanning revealed several metallic foreign bodies in the cub’s body, including near the thoracic (at the level of the shoulder blade) and lumbar (at the level of the calves) vertebrae, the left shoulder and right lung, Shibha Javre, around with the cub’s veterinary doctor, said.
During emergency surgery the pellets of a firearm were removed along with five other pellets. The cub was extremely critical despite medical efforts.
It was shifted to Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, NDVSU, Jabalpur after expert consultation of the Chief Wildlife Warden Samita Rajora. A second CT scan found it to be damaged on its internal organs, musculoskeletal system and nervous system.
After several attempts, and with the dedication of the veterinarians, the cub failed to survive.
Special Task Force Formed
The Madhya Pradesh government has formed a Special Task Force of forest and police officials to investigate the incident.
The team will thoroughly investigate the cause of the shooting and the injuries the cheetah sustained so they can learn more about what happened.
Due to the death, concern has been raised and serious question about wildlife safety in the region. More information is expected as the inquiry continues and efforts are made to identify who is responsible for the accident.