Co-owner of the Bapsfontein Animal Hospital, Dr Pieter Engelbrecht, said he was notified on September 25 by an owner of a plot about the leopard which had entered the premises.
“The wild, fully grown male leopard was cornered by farm dogs in between the farm buildings,” Engelbrecht said.
According to Engelbrecht, the 80kg male was darted using an anaesthetic.
“The darting was a high-risk procedure,” he said.
“The fence was old and rusted and I had to go right up to it for a clear shot.”
A video was posted on the Bapsfontein Animal Hospital’s Facebook page showing how the darting took place.
“The leopard charged instantly when the dart hit him and I tried my best to stand my ground,” Engelbrecht said.
“Although I had a wing-man with a rifle, I was saved by the old fence and God’s grace.
“The leopard charged the fence a second time and this time successfully broke through, fortunately at another spot and direction.”
According to Engelbrecht, the leopard ran towards another building where he fell asleep, but a Jack Russell at the building bit his leg while he was asleep.
“The injuries were not serious,” he explained.
Engelbrecht added that the leopard, which is about five or six years old, will be fed and taken care of at the local zoo to rebuild his strength.
“Male leopards have a home range that may stretch for over 100km,” he added.
“There has been some anecdotal reports of spoor in the area over the last couple of months; this is most likely a wandering male.”
Engelbrecht explained that several things might have gone wrong, such as the leopard injuring itself after charging towards the fence, or the dogs being injured, but he is relieved that all ended well.
“All’s well that ends well, I always say,” he added.
“I am glad to be alive to tell the tale.”
Also read: Dance for the SPCA
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