Leopard Kian from Chemnitz zoo moves
Chemnitz offspring to start a new family in Ljubljana
This morning, Persian leopard Kian began his long journey to a new home, his destination being the zoo in the Slovenian twin city of Ljubljana.
The male big cat was born at Chemnitz Zoo in July 2011. Persian leopards have been living at Chemnitz Zoo since 1999. The offspring usually leave the zoo where they were born in order to avoid inbreeding. Kian's sister also found a new home in a Swedish zoo last year.
The species is managed via a European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), which is run by Lisbon Zoo. The data from the participating zoos on births, deaths, animals to be released, animals needed, etc. is collected there and managed by a so-called studbook keeper. He recommended to Chemnitz Zoo that the young male be transferred to Ljubljana Zoo, where he would be mated with a young female.
Leopard Kian would not have been able to get a mate in his home zoo in the foreseeable future, as there is not enough space for two pairs and possible offspring. His parents will remain in Chemnitz. Persian leopards have a life expectancy of up to 20 years in zoos.
Before Kian set off on his journey, he was anaesthetised for loading and underwent another medical examination. In order not to cause the animal any unnecessary stress, this was done in absolute silence. Only the people directly involved were present. Kian was collected by his new Slovenian carers. The transfer took place by land. Kian experienced the journey in an awake state. The journey only started after he had awoken from the anaesthetic.