Cat keepers at an animal sanctuary have welcomed a stunning new arrival.
A nine-year-old clouded leopard has joined the ranks at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Ashford.
Born at Dortmund Zoo in March 2015, Django has landed on Kent shores from his home of six years, Pairi Daiza animal park, in Belgium.
He has come to the county as part of the sanctuary’s breeding programme.
It means he will soon be paired with Bua – the site’s female clouded leopard – in the hope of contributing to the species’ conservation which is labelled ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
A spokesperson for the sanctuary said: “We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of Django.
“He made his journey from Belgium on a rainy night thanks to Cross Border Animal Services.
“Despite a few delays at customs, he arrived safely at the sanctuary at 10.30pm on on October 7.
“The team carried his crate to his indoor den, and, after giving him access, he cautiously poked his head out before retreating back inside to settle.
“After a few hours, Django ventured out exploring his new indoor den.
“CCTV footage captured him enjoying a meal, investigating his surroundings, and eventually settling into a much-needed sleep after his long journey.
“Django has now had a few days to acclimatise to his new surroundings, and, as expected, he is taking things at his own pace.
“During the day he prefers to stay tucked up in his cozy bed, but at night he has begun venturing outside to explore his new environment. Over time, Django will build his confidence and become more active.”
Typically found in the rainforests of south east Asia, clouded leopards are known for their distinctively marked fur and their short, powerful legs. The species can weigh up to 50lbs and grow to up to 3ft in length.
There are estimated to be 10,000 left in the wild, having become extinct in Singapore, Taiwan, and possibly also in Hainan Island and Vietnam.
Django’s arrival comes just days after the sanctuary announced the passing of their “beloved” leopard, Xizi, who lived in Kent for almost 20 years prior to her death.
The cat park, however, did celebrate the arrival of an African lioness called Yuna less than two months ago.
She is one of five lions who will eventually arrive at the centre as part of its ‘Big Cats in Crisis’ campaign.
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The initiative will allow a forever home to be provided to the animals who were previously living at the Wildlife Animal Rescue (WAR) in Kyiv – a site which has seen debris blasted close to enclosures as a result of the country’s war with Russia.
Yuna will soon be joined by Rori, Amani, Lira, and Vanda, who are all at holding facilities while they wait to make the journey to Kent.
The sanctuary has raised more than £440,000 of its £500,000 target which will go towards transportation costs, veterinary treatment and help fund the construction of its Lion Rescue Centre.
