Behaviour in Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) at two Swedish zoos

Abstract: The Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) is one of the most endangered species in the world, with only a few individuals left in the wild. Many Amur leopards are kept in captivity to help save the population. Abnormal behaviours or stereotypies are common in captive animals, especially carnivores. Stereotypies are repetitive behaviours without any evident goal or function. Pacing, where an animal is walking back and forth, is one of the most common stereotypies. The aim of this study was to compare two Swedish zoos – Nordens Ark and Parken Zoo – that both house Amur leopards and see whether or not there is a difference in pacing frequency between the zoos and what might cause this difference. Both zoos had one female and one male leopard. The animals were observed during one hour four times a day for six days. The results showed that the leopards at Parken Zoo did not pace at all but walked a lot, while both animals at Nordens Ark paced. The reasons for the pacing is unclear, but there might be a combination of many causes, for example the feeding routines, other animals and visitors.