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Meet Nila, the sleek and graceful Sri Lankan leopard whose golden coat with distinctive rosettes makes her one of the most photographed animals in the zoo. Nila came to the zoo as part of a conservation exchange program, and her arrival marked a milestone in efforts to preserve this subspecies, which is native to the forests of Sri Lanka and critically endangered.
Nila’s most fascinating trait is her agility. She spends her days climbing the tall trees and rocky platforms in her enclosure, showcasing her natural prowess as a skilled hunter and climber. During feeding time, keepers often hide her meals in challenging spots, like under logs or in hanging feeders, to keep her engaged. Watching her stalk and retrieve her food provides visitors with a glimpse into her wild instincts.
One memorable incident was when Nila surprised her keepers by giving birth to two cubs early one morning. The event was a significant achievement for the zoo’s breeding program, and the cubs quickly became stars, drawing thousands of visitors eager to see them learn to climb, pounce, and play under their mother’s watchful eye.