Man Drives Leopard Cub in Car: Viral Video Sparks Concern

Ankush Chauhan’s video of driving a leopard cub in his car touched many hearts, but it also sparked an important lesson. While saving a wild animal feels like the right thing, it’s best to let nature take its course first. Experts like Parveen Kaswan remind us to call professionals and avoid rushing in. This viral story shows both the kindness of people and the need to understand how to help wildlife the right way. Let’s keep supporting animals while respecting their natural needs!

What Happened?

Ankush Chauhan, a resident of Kotkhai Tharola in Himachal Pradesh, found a lost leopard cub. Wanting to help, he picked it up and drove it in his car to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in Theog. A video of the cub sitting on the car seat, peeking out the window, and making small noises went viral on social media. Shared by a user named Nikhil Saini on X, the video got a lot of attention, with many people calling Ankush a hero for saving the cub. They said it showed “humanity is still alive,” as rare animals like leopards are sometimes harmed for their teeth or skin.

Why Did the IFS Officer Object?

Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan saw the video and shared a different view. He said that while Ankush meant well, taking the cub away was not the best choice.

Here’s why:

• Cubs Need Their Mothers: Leopard cubs learn how to survive in the wild from their mothers. If they’re taken away too soon, they may struggle to live on their own or end up in captivity. In the worst case, they could die without proper care.
• Rescue Should Be the Last Step: Kaswan explained that the first thing to do is secure the area where the cub was found and wait for the mother to return. Mothers often leave their cubs briefly and come back at night. Only if the mother doesn’t return after several tries should the cub be rescued.
• Contact Forest Officials First: Kaswan advised that people should call the forest department right away instead of handling wild animals themselves.

Kaswan wrote on X, “It may look cute and well-intentioned. But not a good decision. Rescues should be a last resort. First, such cat species cubs should be secured wherever they are found. Secure and let mother come and take them.”

Mixed Reactions from People

The viral video got mixed responses online:

• Some praised Ankush for his quick action to save the cub, saying he did a kind thing by taking it to the DFO.
• Others agreed with Kaswan, worrying that the cub might have been separated from its mother too soon. One user wrote, “I was thinking the cub might have been taken from its mother. People might do this for social media attention.” Another said, “Nature should take its course. Humans should only step in as a last resort.”

Some even questioned if Ankush made the video for fame, with one user saying, “All in the name of making a video and posting it.”

Why This Matters?

This story raises an important question: how should we help wild animals in danger? While Ankush’s heart was in the right place, experts like Kaswan say that acting too quickly can harm the animal more than help it. Leopard cubs need their mothers to learn hunting and survival skills. Without them, they may not survive in the wild or could spend their lives in a zoo. The forest department has handled many cases where mothers return for their cubs if given time, so patience is key.

What Should You Do If You Find a Wild Animal?

If you find a wild animal like a leopard cub, here’s what to do:

• Don’t Touch It: Avoid picking up the animal, as it could stress them or make the mother reject them.
• Call the Forest Department: Contact local forest officials immediately for expert help.
• Secure the Area: Keep people and pets away to give the mother a chance to return safely.
• Wait Before Rescuing: Only move the animal if experts confirm the mother isn’t coming back after several attempts.