In Sri Lanka, the fate of an aging, injured leopard, well-loved by tourists, has triggered a debate. Wildlife enthusiasts are urging authorities to help the leopard, named Neluma, in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest protected area. However, wildlife officials and conservationists are against intervening and providing veterinary support, Mongabay contributor Malaka Rodrigo reported in June. Neluma has long been a favorite of visitors and photographers at Wilpattu. Over the years, he’s become known for his tolerance for vehicles, which means he was often spotted during safari tours. Now more than 10 years old, Neluma has shown not just signs of aging but also injuries. Besides a large bump on his belly, believed to be a hernia, Rodrigo reports that Neluma was injured during a buffalo herd’s counterattack after a failed attempt to hunt a buffalo calf. He was recently spotted limping. Another video showed a domestic dog fighting back and escaping from Neluma — something that would have been unlikely in the leopard’s prime. “Neluma is more than a wild animal as he is an icon of Wilpattu and a symbol of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. He deserves care in his time of need,” Wasiri Rasu Gajaman, a medical professional and wildlife photographer, told Rodrigo. But conservationists and wildlife officials disagree. Namal Kamalgoda, an independent environmental activist, said that if Neluma is taken away for temporary treatment, younger male leopards may take over his territory. “At his age, he won’t be able to reclaim it, which would make his survival…This article was originally published on Mongabay

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