A Win for Queenie and Conservation

When a farmer living close to the Naankuse Foundation in central Namibia discovered a leopard caught in a trap on his property, he acted swiftly and responsibly. Deeply concerned about the conservation of Namibia’s carnivores, he contacted Naankuse’s Rapid Response Unit for assistance.

The team, led by Marlice van Vuuren, co founder and executive director of the Naankuse Foundation, alongside Dr Lyndsay Scott, Naankuse veterinarian, immediately sprang into action.

Inside the capture cage was a young female leopard, estimated to be between two and three years old. With time of the essence, the team safely immobilised her and carried out a full health assessment. Any injuries were treated, and she was fitted with a GPS tracking collar to support ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts.

Once the reversal drug was administered, the magnificent cat was soon back on her feet and returned to the wild. No translocation was required, as the conservation minded farmer was more than willing to let her remain on his land.

The farm workers affectionately named her Queenie and eagerly followed her movements through daily updates on her whereabouts.

It was a true win for carnivores and conservation alike.