The three animals well fed in the Cypriot tradition
AFTER spending almost 20 years at Limassol Zoo, a family of three leopards will finally get a chance to spend the rest of their lives in better conditions, at the Shamwari Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, operated by the Born Free Foundation.
The move was finally approved by Limassol Municipal Council, following years of discussion.
“It’s wonderful. The effort to rescue the leopards was ongoing for many years,” said Patricia Kyriakou, President of ARC/KIVOTOS, an animal rights group.
The oldest of the leopards is a 19-year-old female, mother of the two younger 10-year-old leopards who were born at Limassol Zoo. “On the one hand I am very sad because we are losing two of our children, born at the zoo. I am also happy because they will go to a better environment,” Andreas Christou, Mayor of Limassol told the Cyprus Mail.
Three Born Free Foundation representatives, including a specialist vet arrived in Cyprus two days ago to examine the leopards.
The vet, Dr John Knight, is already familiar with the leopards, as he examined the animals some years ago to draft a report on their condition. Dr Knight was accompanied by an assistant and the Rescue Project Manager. After examining the animals, the team found that they were well enough to travel.
“All three are in very good health,” said Tricia Holford, BFF Project Coordinator.
“Our vet and the BFF’s vet examined the leopards and both said they are in excellent health. The BFF representatives told us the leopards were looked after well at the zoo, although a bit overfed, as is the Cypriot tradition,” Christou said.
Although the leopards’ move to Arica has been confirmed, a date is yet to be set for the trip. “They were administered shots for various diseases and will have to stay here for medical reasons. After that it all depends on the BFF,” he added.
Animal rights activists have for years been pushing for the leopards’ removal from Limassol Zoo, a site that is not considered conducive to the animals’ physical or mental health.
The Born Free Foundation, a UK-based organisation working for the liberation of wild animals in captivity across the world will provide the funding for the leopards’ transportation to the LWC, which the foundation operates.
This is not the first time that the Born Free Foundation has rescued wild animals from unfit zoos or circuses. The foundation launched its ‘Zoo Check’ campaign in 1984, in a bid to prevent captive animal suffering and phase out zoos.
The three leopards are the last remaining wild animals at Limassol Zoo, which has been slowly phasing out in recent years. Although the state has decided to create a National Zoo, not necessarily in Limassol, the planning for this grand project is moving at slow paces and is expected to cost a considerable amount of money. In the meantime, Limassol Zoo will get an aesthetic revamp.
“The National Park project is moving at a pace determined by the state, as feasibility and other studies must be completed. In the meantime, we will freshen up the zoo in Limassol to improve its appearance and make it a modern, comfortable space,” Christou said.
