A member of the public in Guangdong Province has discovered a young wild cat, later identified as a leopard cat, along a riverbank in Zhaoqing City.
The animal, which is estimated to be around one month old and weighing just 200 grams, was found near the Xijiang River embankment close to Taoyi Village in Dinghu District. The finder reported it to local authorities.
Officials from the Shapu Town Government collected the animal and transported it to the Zhaoqing Wildlife Rescue Center for Endangered Species.
Su Liuxian, head of the center, confirmed the species as a leopard cat, a nationally protected animal. He said the cub was in good health but had likely become separated from its mother.
"It will need about five more months of care before it can hunt independently and meet the conditions for release back into the wild," Su added.
Authorities have reminded the public not to handle or keep wild animals found alone, injured, or in distress. They advised contacting professional rescue services instead.
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | Gaoyao Fabu
