Leopard Disrupts Mercedes-Benz Factory Production in Maharashtra
A Mercedes-Benz factory in Chakan, Maharashtra, was forced to halt its operations for four hours on Monday morning after a leopard was spotted inside the facility. The animal, a young leopard, caused a major disruption when it was found wandering around the manufacturing unit, sparking concern among the staff and management.
Immediate Action by Wildlife SOS and Forest Department
The 100-acre Mercedes-Benz facility swiftly shut down production and contacted animal rescue teams for help. Both Wildlife SOS and the Forest Department were called to safely remove the leopard from the premises. The rescue operation was carried out with great caution to ensure the safety of both the animal and the employees. The area was secured, and all staff were evacuated from the building during the four-hour operation.
Distressed Leopard Captured on Video
A video of the rescue operation shows the distressed leopard moving around the facility, searching for a place to hide. It appears wary of the ongoing operation, as it peeks out from behind crates. As the rescue teams approached the animal, they prepared to tranquilize it. The leopard was eventually sedated by Wildlife SOS veterinary officer Nikhil Bangar and placed into a cage for safe transport.
Veterinary Assessment and Transport for Care
Following the tranquilization, the leopard was carefully transported to the Chakan Forest Department for further medical care. An initial health check confirmed that the animal was approximately two to three years old. The leopard will be monitored closely under medical observation and will be released back into the wild once its health is fully assessed.
Investigation into the Entry of the Leopard
Investigators will examine CCTV footage from around the factory to determine how the leopard entered the premises. The area where the Mercedes-Benz factory is located is close to a forest, which may have prompted the leopard to stray into the campus in search of prey. Although other wildlife, such as deer, is commonly seen near the factory, this is the first reported sighting of a leopard in the area, according to Range Forest Officer Yogesh Mahajan.
Human-Wildlife Conflict in Maharashtra
Leopards in India are increasingly found in human-dominated areas, often due to habitat loss. In 2021, a report by The Times of India revealed that 65 percent of Maharashtra’s leopard population roams outside sanctuaries and nature reserves, heightening the risk of human-wildlife conflicts.
Wildlife SOS’s CEO and co-founder, Kartick Satyanarayan, commented that such incidents highlight the growing pressure on leopards to venture into human settlements. He emphasized the importance of trained teams handling these situations with care to ensure the safety of both humans and animals.
A Lighthearted Tweet from Mercedes-Benz India
In a lighthearted response to the unexpected guest, Mercedes-Benz India shared a tweet about the incident. The company expressed gratitude for the prompt assistance provided by the Forest Department and local police, even humorously adding that the “forest inspector” had given them a “star rating” for their response.
