Bhopal, Sep 1 (IANS): A 10-year-old leopard, which was rescued from Dewas district in Madhya Pradesh, is suspected to be suffering from neurological disorder, forest officials said.   

The animal has been shifted from Dewas to Indore Zoo on Thursday and a team of veterinarian examined his health and found that the leopard was sick.

"It was brought from the Dewas forest range at around 10 a.m. and we started its treatment at 11 a.m. The primary symptoms that have been noticed indicate neurological issues," Dr Uttam Yadav, in-charge of Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya, said.

Yadav said that the exact condition would be known after the wildlife forensic lab of Jabalpur gives a sample report. "This is a case of neurological disorder in which the animal forgets his identity. The leopard's condition is critical," he said.

Veterinarians also said that the leopard was not reacting to anything, so the locals of Iklera village treated it like a puppy. "The leopard has no sign of injury. Its body, teeth and nails are in perfect shape. There seem to be brain-related problems," said Yadav.

Several villagers took selfies with the wild animal and one tried to hop on its back. Looking bewildered and exhausted, the leopard slowly walked back into the jungle.

The animal was rescued near Kalisindh river on Wednesday after a video surfaced on social media showing the big cat wandering with villagers like a pet dog. Villagers even tried to ride on sick animal.