We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of Django, a male clouded leopard, at The Big Cat Sanctuary on the 7th October 2024!
Django 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.
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 was born on 9th March 2015 at Dortmund Zoo in Germany and moved to Pairi Daiza in Belgium in 2018. He has come to The Big Cat Sanctuary as part of the breeding programme and will be paired with Bua, our female clouded leopard, in the hope of contributing to the conservation of his remarkable species.
Clouded leopards are known for their distinctive appearance and arboreal lifestyle. As apex predators, they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems. Sadly, they are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, making their conservation more important. With Django’s arrival, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of protecting clouded leopards and preserving their natural habitats.
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. Be sure to follow our social media channels for more updates on how he’s settling in and when he might be available to adopt.
Photo credits: Pairi Daiza