Interesting Facts

• A leopard’s spots are called “rosettes”. Rosettes serve as effective camouflage so they can easily hide while hunting at night and resting during the day.
• Leopards are very capable climbers, and they are strong enough to carry large prey up into trees to keep it safe from scavengers such as hyenas. Leopards are also agile jumpers and can leap up to 20 feet horizontally.
• Leopards tend to be solitary and have a distinct barking territorial call. These big cats also mark their territory using urine and tree scratching.

At the Zoo

It is with great sadness we share the news that Mowgli, our beloved 19-year-old African leopard passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 18th. Mowgli was a favorite among visitors and holds a special place in the hearts of all of us here at Southwick’s Zoo, including our zookeepers and staff…read more

Conservation Status

Threats

Leopards are greatly threatened by illegal hunting and loss of habitat. They are a target for trophy hunting, and their body parts are sometimes used in traditional ceremonies and medicine.