After declining health due to his advanced age, the male leopard has died at the age of 21, ending a long life at the Valencian park. The magnificent Negombo arrived at BIOPARC Valencia to form a group within the international conservation program for this species, and his contribution has been very significant in offering hope in the face of the serious threat of extinction in the wild.
For 18 years, BIOPARC Valencia has witnessed nature's unfolding cycle of life. We've discovered its most tender side, as we see now in this exceptional moment with young animals like Kairu the rhinoceros chasing zebras, Malik and Makena the elephants bathing in the lake, and Ekon and Cala the chimpanzees playing and displaying their social behavior. But this cycle inevitably comes to an end, and with the same emotion, we must accept and embrace it.
The loss of the leopard Negombo
The loss of Negombo, the beautiful male leopardIt fills us with sadness, and we are only left with the consolation of knowing that we have provided him with the greatest well-being during all this time and, especially, in recent years. At 21 years old, very close to turning 22In recent months, the technical team detected a series of chronic pathologies related to her advanced age, which affected her quality of life. After intensive veterinary monitoring, within a irreversible process inherent to their geriatric conditionThe decision has been made to perform euthanasia on him.
Sri Lanka Leopard Conservation
Their presence has brought the beauty and uniqueness of these felines closer to the public, as well as the threats they face, awakening empathy and awareness for their protection. Sri Lankan Leopard Conservation Programme (EEP) (Panthera pardus kotiya), established a group at BIOPARC Valencia with Negombo and the already deceased females, the panther Mamba e Agneswith whom he formed a pair. Both brought hope, and their offspring continue in other institutions as part of these coordinated, scientifically controlled breeding programs that aim to to guarantee the survival of this subspecies, which is endangered according to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The third oldest leopard in Europe
As usual, Negombo has exceeded the life expectancy in its habitat, which is between 10 and 12 years, and is the third oldest leopard in European zoosThis demonstrates the excellent care he has received since arriving at the park in 2009 from La Palmyre Zoo (France). Always under the guidance of specialists, BIOPARC Valencia awaits the arrival of a leopard, reinforcing its commitment to biodiversity preservation. and transmitting love and respect for animals and nature.
The daily care of animals generates a single bondespecially when it lasts for so many years. With dedication, vocation and professionalism She has received all the pampering she required at her age and The priority was to avoid completely unnecessary suffering.But the death of the esteemed Negombo has been a major blow to all the staff. Rest in peace.
