Exciting: Following a Six-Month Delay, Rare Persian Leopards Have Finally Arrived in Israel

The excitement surrounding their arrival is palpable. Persian leopards are an incredibly rare species, and it’s a significant event for Israel, as these predators have not been seen in the country since 1960, when they were last found in the Upper Galilee. The species faced extinction here due to hunting and habitat destruction. Today, there are only a few hundred Persian leopards left in the wild, primarily in Iran, Afghanistan, and Armenia. Their presence in Israel is a rare and special occurrence.

Upon their arrival, the leopards were welcomed into a specially designed exhibit. The space includes climbing structures, enrichment features, and areas where the leopards can enjoy the winter sun. Afrin and Aldin have been adjusting to their new home, undergoing tests and settling into their quiet, warm living quarters. Recently, they began exploring their outdoor enclosure, though they were initially hesitant. The zoo team has been encouraging them to venture outside by offering tasty meat chunks as incentives.

Persian leopards are known for their impressive hunting skills. They can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h and are excellent climbers. These elusive predators hunt by silently stalking their prey and pouncing with a deadly bite to the neck. Their agility allows them to leap distances of up to 6 meters and heights of 3 meters. Unlike cheetahs, which have small spots, Persian leopards are distinguished by their relatively large dark spots, and their striped cousins, tigers, are easy to differentiate by their signature stripes.

The arrival of Afrin and Aldin marks a milestone for wildlife conservation efforts in Israel and offers a rare opportunity for visitors to witness these magnificent creatures up close.