Leopard Takes Down Snake!

Posted on Mon June 2, 2025.

Leopard Takes Down Snake—But You’ll Never Believe What It Really Is!

Our Wild Animal Volunteers (WAV’s) recently crafted a creative enrichment item as stimuli for Nanji, our resident African Leopard.

Using the shed skin of a Boa Constrictor, the team expertly wrapped it around sturdy cardboard rolls and attached a length of rope.  When placed inside Nanji’s enclosure, the faux “snake” could be tugged along the ground, mimicking natural prey behaviour and encouraging Nanji to stalk, pounce, and play. 

Joseph, one of our dedicated volunteers, is pictured proudly presenting the completed enrichment item. With a steady tug on the rope, Joseph animated the snake, drawing Nanji’s full attention. Over the course of the session, Nanji chased the item at surprising speed, batting it with her paws and even leaping off a nearby platform to secure her “prey”. This enrichment not only fulfils Nanji’s instinctive hunting needs but also provides valuable mental and physical exercise, which substantially reduces stress for animals in human care.

 

The success of this activity underscores the creativity and commitment of our WAV team. By repurposing natural materials—like snake skin—and combining them with everyday objects, our volunteers continue to design enriching, eco-friendly toys that enhance the welfare of our big cats. Keep an eye out for more behind-the-scenes moments as our WAV program remains dedicated to improving animal care through hands-on innovation.

 

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