Leopards are renowned for their stealth and elegance, and Nyala, the zoo’s beautiful resident, is no exception. Her glossy coat, patterned with distinctive rosettes, makes her one of the most striking animals in the exhibit. However, Nyala is not just admired for her looks—her intelligence and agility have captivated both keepers and visitors alike.

Nyala came to the zoo after being rescued from the wild, where her territory was shrinking due to deforestation. Adjusting to her new home was a challenge at first, as leopards are naturally solitary and elusive. But over time, Nyala began to thrive, displaying behaviors that revealed her keen intelligence. During a recent enrichment activity, the keepers hid her favorite treat in a tree trunk. To everyone’s amazement, Nyala didn’t approach it directly. Instead, she observed from a distance, circled the area silently, and then pounced with perfect accuracy, extracting her reward in seconds.

Her skills have earned her the nickname “Shadow of the Night.” Visitors are often awestruck as they watch her move with the grace and precision of a natural-born hunter. Nyala’s story is a reminder of the adaptability and resilience of these incredible big cats.