A “magnificent” leopard who lived at a Kent animal park for more than 15 years following his move from Paris has died.
The team at The Big Cat Sanctuary has announced the passing of male North Chinese leopard, Ta’iri.
The cat, also referred to by keepers as “mysterious”, arrived at the site in Smarden, near Ashford, in March 2008.
A spokesperson for the Sanctuary said: “With great sadness, we share the passing of Ta’iri – our beloved male North Chinese leopard.
“Over the years, he became a striking presence at the Sanctuary, embodying the elusive and mysterious nature.
“Ta’iri was a magnificent leopard whose beauty, strength and unique personality touched everyone who encountered him. He will be deeply missed at the Sanctuary.”
Ta’iri was the only surviving cub to female Sina at Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes in Paris.
Born in a litter of three cubs, he came to The Big Cat Sanctuary at just under two years old.
Keepers previously described his personality as that of “a very elusive cat who much prefers to sit and watch both keepers and guests from a high vantage point where they cannot see him”.
The North-Chinese breed is labelled as endangered on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of threatened animals.
