Islamabad : In a remarkable example of inter-agency collaboration and commitment to wildlife conservation, the Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) Wildlife Department and the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) have successfully rehabilitated and released a Common Leopard, affectionately named “Terry,” back into his natural habitat.
The mission began on April 5, 2026, when the AJK Wildlife Department rescued the injured leopard from the wild. Recognizing the urgency of specialized care, the animal was transferred to IWMB rescue and rehabilitation center, where Terry underwent 27 days of intensive veterinary treatment, monitoring, and rehabilitation.
On May 2, 2026, following a full recovery and assessment of his fitness for survival, Terry was successfully released back into the wild, marking a significant milestone in ongoing conservation efforts.
This achievement was made possible under the strategic leadership and guidance of Ms. Aisha Humera Chaudhary, Chairperson IWMB and Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC), and Chaudhary Muhammad Fareed, Secretary, Forests, Wildlife & Fisheries Department, AJK. Their unwavering commitment to wildlife protection and ecosystem preservation played a pivotal role in the success of this operation.
Chairperson IWMB emphasized that the ultimate goal of wildlife conservation is to ensure that wild animals thrive in their natural habitats. She reiterated that efforts are being strengthened to minimize captivity and eliminate harmful practices, ensuring that wildlife is protected and allowed to survive freely in the wild.
Secretary Fareed commended the joint teams for their dedication and professionalism, calling the operation a “model example of coordinated conservation action.”
