Shazam - leopard

Shazam, a black leopard, and six other cats came from the Catskill Game Farm in New York. With the closure of the animal park, the game farm auctioned off 950 animals and made east coast and national headlines.

Animal welfare activists worried that some of the animals would wind up in the hands of unscrupulous dealers, or go to people who run 'canned shoot' operations, where hunters pay to shoot fenced-in animals.

Wildlife Watch intervened and negotiated placement of animals in sanctuaries while others purchased animals to ensure their fate. It is described as one of the largest animal rescues of its type.

Shazam lives up to the black leopard name. His deep growl and posturing reminds us again and again who is boss. He has a past history of being very aggressive to his keepers, but who can blame him given all he has been through in captivity. With a lot of reinforcement from his keepers, Shazam has showed us his playful side. He likes to trot through his habitat looking for his toys, scents and other enrichment. He also has developed a very special kinship with his jaguar neighbor, Diablo Guapo.

Pine County Sanctuary Bears Burden of Big Cat Boom - Star Tribune Article - 1/7/2007

Just Look at Us Now - Life after the Catskill Game Farm Auction - Fall 2007

	Shazam Shazam, a black leopard, and six other cats came from the Catskill Game Farm in New York. With the closure of the animal park, the game farm auctioned off 950 animals and made east coast and national headlines. Animal welfare activists worried that some of the animals would wind up in the hands of unscrupulous dealers, or go to people who run 'canned shoot' operations, where hunters pay to shoot fenced-in animals. Wildlife Watch intervened and negotiated placement of animals in sanctuaries while others purchased animals to ensure their fate. It is described as one of the largest animal rescues of its type. Shazam lives up to the black leopard name. His deep growl and posturing reminds us again and again who is boss. He has a past history of being very aggressive to his keepers, but who can blame him given all he has been through in captivity. With a lot of reinforcement from his keepers, Shazam has showed us his playful side. He likes to trot through his habitat looking for his toys, scents and other enrichment. He also has developed a very special kinship with his jaguar neighbor, Diablo Guapo. Pine County Sanctuary Bears Burden of Big Cat Boom - Star Tribune Article - 1/7/2007 Just Look at Us Now - Life after the Catskill Game Farm Auction - Fall 2007