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Meet The Leopard That Went Viral For Being Fat

Plump leopard in a Panzhihua zoo. Image by _wearechina_ on Instagram.

Few creatures command attention like the leopard. They have striking spots and graceful movements, they are elusive big cat that have captivated human fascination for centuries. Recently, a video of a particularly plump leopard went viral, drawing comparisons to characters from the movie “Zootopia.” Let’s delve into the world of leopards to understand more about this viral sensation.

The Magnificent Leopard

Leopard sleeping in a tree
Leopard sleeping in a tree. Image by hedrus via depositphotos.com

Leopards, scientifically known as Panthera pardus, are one of the five big cats in the genus Panthera. They inhabit a wide range of habitats, from dense forests to open savannas, across Africa and parts of Asia. With their powerful build and keen senses, leopards are apex predators, capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves.

Adaptations for Survival

leopard in tree
A leopard climbs the tree when he feels danger. Image via Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the leopard’s most distinctive features is its rosette-patterned coat, which provides excellent camouflage in its natural environment. Its lithe body and retractable claws make it an agile climber and formidable hunter. Leopards are solitary creatures, stealthily stalking their prey before launching a lightning-fast attack.

Dietary Habits

leopard climbing
A female leopard rests in a tree far above the ground as the morning rays bathe her colorful coat. Image by bdivelbissphoto cia depositphotos.com

Leopards are opportunistic carnivores, meaning they have a diverse diet and will eat whatever is available. Their menu includes small to medium-sized mammals like antelopes, monkeys, and even birds and reptiles. They are known to stash their kills in trees to keep them safe from scavengers like hyenas and lions.

Conservation Status

leopard
Leopard, panthera pardus, Adult standing in Tree, with a Kill, Moremi Reserve, Okavango Delta in Botswana. Image by slowmotiongli via depositphotos.com

Despite their adaptability and prowess, leopards face numerous threats in the wild. Habitat loss, poaching for their fur and body parts, and conflict with humans are major concerns. Several leopard subspecies are listed as either endangered or vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these magnificent cats.

The Plump Leopard

Plump leopard in a Panzhihua zoo. Image by _wearechina_ on Instagram.

Recently, a video of a particularly portly leopard made waves on social media. The leopard’s rotund figure drew comparisons to characters from the animated movie “Zootopia.” While some found humor in its resemblance to the lovable characters from the film, others expressed concern for the leopard’s health. The video sparked discussions about wildlife conservation and the importance of preserving natural habitats for these majestic creatures.

Conclusion

leopard
Leopard, panthera pardus, Adult standing in Tree, with a Kill, Moremi Reserve, Okavango Delta in Botswana. Image by slowmotiongli via depositphotos.com

The viral video of the “Zootopia”-esque leopard is a reminder of the balance between human activity and wildlife conservation. While it may have provided a moment of amusement for viewers, it also underscores the challenges that leopards and other species face in their struggle for survival. I hope you enjoyed reading about the a leopard that has an uncanny resemblance to the one in Zootopia. To read more stories like this, check out the articles below: