"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
21 Jul 2023
A young farmer in India has become a hero after saving the life of a young leopard. Venugopal, also known as Muttu, found the unconscious juvenile leopard in the corner of his field in the Hassan District of Karnataka. He observed the animal for some time and decided to intervene, carrying the leopard on his motorbike to his village.
The villagers immediately called the forest service, who took the leopard to receive veterinary care. Officials from the Hassan DCF confirmed that the leopard was dehydrated and had likely strayed into the village in search of food.
What appeared to be a case of leopard poaching turned out to be a compassionate act of rescue. Muttu's act of courage has been widely applauded, and he will not face any charges for his actions.
Human-animal conflict is a major issue in rural India, with encounters between humans and wild animals often causing harm to both parties. Muttu's actions are a heartening reminder that coexistence with wildlife is possible and that compassion and empathy can go a long way in saving lives.
The story has also garnered attention for its demonstration of the power of social media to dispel misinformation and celebrate acts of kindness and bravery.