Articles
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Leopard Enclosure
Our Leopard is kept as a solitary species in a 1575 sqm enclosure which is split into a day section and a night-time section. Since Leopards are extremely skilled jumpers and climbers, great care must be taken with the enclosure from a containment perspective. The wire used is 50mm x 50mm x 3,8 metres weldmesh with an 450overhang of 1200mm, electrified on the ends. A feeding station has been incorporated to confine the leopard for treatment, and the enclosure is divided into two halves, to allow for safe cleaning and entry. The leopard enjoys concealment so durable vegetation should be incorporated to allow natural behaviour, as well as logs and platforms for climbing. Large, elevated shelters are provided lined with a thick bed of straw. It is a requirement for a leopard enclosure that a stand-off barrier fence be erected to prevent public access to the enclosure.
Behaviour
Leopards will lie quietly in the shade during the day, but can be encouraged to become active through enrichment programs. Although appearing to be asleep, they are always alert and aware of their surroundings and the activity around their enclosure.
Feeding
Our Leopard is fed predominantly chicken with rabbit and red meat for variety. Chicken is fed on the bone in medium size pieces (Quarter chicken size pieces). Rabbit is fed gutted but whole with the fur on. Water is changed daily and is always available.
Enrichment
Generally enrichment is used to increase activity during the day, and to break routine. Our Leopard is taken on a daily walk as a form of enrichment. He is allowed to investigate smells and new sights along the way, mark his territory and climb trees. Ball playing, a play station and chasing lures is also used as a form of enrichment.
Preventative Medication
Our Leopard is treated with Frontline® Drops every 30 days, and Frontline® Spray is used topically if live ticks are observed. Prazifen® is used to deworm the Leopard. Our Leopard is inoculated against Panleukopaemia, Calici, Rhinotacheites, Chlamydophila. The regime followed is a killed vaccine for the first inoculation, followed by a live vaccine 1 month later. Thereafter annually live booster.
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Tenikwa does not support the practice of removing animals from the wild.
Whilst we believe that wild animals belong in the wild, there may be justification for some species to keep individuals in captivity for conservation or education purposes. The following guideline has been put together based on our experience, to improve the quality of life of animals kept in captivity and in an effort to share our knowledge for the sake of the species.