<p>A rescued male leopard named Bittu has died after a prolonged illness at Sanjay Gandhi National Park in <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-local-train-updates-central-railway-platform-extension-work-for-15-coach-trains-delayed-after-crane-snags-overhead-wires-near-kalyan-23621982" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>Mumbai</strong></a>.</p>
<p>Forest officials said the six-year-old leopard died on March 21, 2026 despite months of treatment.</p>
<p>Bittu had been rescued as a few-day-old cub from the Yeoor range in Thane on December 4, 2019, officials said, adding that since then, he was hand-reared and cared for by veterinary teams and animal keepers at the park.</p>
<h2>Diagnosed with kidney disease</h2>
<p>Deputy Director (South), Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, said Bittu had been showing signs of illness for several months and was <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/\mumbai/mumbai-news/article/thane-monkey-attacked-with-professional-arrow-near-sgnp-investigation-on-23621799" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>under continuous medical care</strong></a>.</p>
<p>An ultrasound examination indicated Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a serious condition affecting the kidneys.</p>
<p>Despite intensive treatment and supportive care, his condition continued to worsen.</p>
<h2>Post-mortem findings</h2>
<p>A post-mortem examination confirmed the presence of multiple cysts in the kidneys, indicating advanced renal disease.</p>
<p>Veterinarians said the condition led to multiple organ failure, which caused the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/expert-committee-to-investigate-threats-from-undiscovered-wildlife-species-23621986" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>animal</strong></a>&rsquo;s death.</p>
<h2>Samples sent for analysis</h2>
<p>Biological samples have been sent to Mumbai Veterinary College for further testing and confirmation.</p>
<p>Officials added that all standard protocols were followed during treatment and after the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-leopard-sightings-in-residential-areas-spark-caution-sgnp-team-conduct-awareness-drive-23621266" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>leopard</strong></a>'s death.</p>

A rescued six-year-old male leopard named Bittu has died after a prolonged illness at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Mumbai. It was rescued in 2019

Rescued leopard ‘Bittu’ dies after  prolonged illness at Sanjay Gandhi National Park

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Bittu had been rescued as a few-day-old cub from the Yeoor range in Thane on December 4, 2019, officials said, adding that since then, he was hand-reared and cared for by veterinary teams and animal keepers at the park

Rescued leopard ‘Bittu’ dies after prolonged illness

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