Nila Panthers

• Species: Leopard – melanistic leopard/black panther
• Born: 2024
• Origin: private owner
• Living situation: with sister Suki

In early March 2024, Stichting Leeuw received a special phone call. There were 2 young black panthers confiscated by the Dutch government, which needed a suitable home as soon as possible. Naturally, we immediately went and picked up the 2 animals. They were found during a house visit earlier that day and were held illegally by a private individual.

Upon arrival and initial inspection by our veterinarians, the animals were fortunately found to be in reasonable health, both female and estimated to be 11 weeks old. Still weighing only about 5 pounds, they already had a typical fierce panther character. The caretakers had a day job getting the animals to trust them. Fortunately, the animals were old enough to be able to eat soft but solid food on their own.

Even though the 2 animals have had to stay in the quarantine facility since arrival, they have had a great time with the many kinds of enrichment and attention from the care team. They are weighed every week and have already grown considerably. They love each other and play and romp for many hours in a day.

Because it took some time to complete the investigations into the animals’ origins and all the paperwork had to be taken care of first, we had to wait to bring out this special news.