Baby Amur leopard, Mischa. Photo by Panther Ridge Conservation Center
The Panther Ridge Conservation Center in Loxahatchee welcomed one of the rarest big cats in the world this summer with the birth of an Amur leopard, Mischa.
She is believed to be only the sixth Amur leopard born in captivity with melanistic pigmentation. This condition, the opposite of albinism, produces an excess of black in the cat’s coat. Her exotic appearance highlights the endangered future of the Amur leopards, which are native to southeastern Russia and northern China. Panther Ridge shows Mischa in a re-creation of her temperate forest habitat to teach visitors about the preservation of the species.
This amazing gem, which specializes in the care of threatened and endangered cat species, enjoys a five-star rating from TripAdvisor’s Palm Beach County visitors. Tourists get up close and personal with cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, ocelots, panthers, and other big cats.
Panther Ridge specializes in the care of threatened and endangered cat species. Visitors learn about each animal’s story as well as the status of the species in the wild. The nonprofit facility also provides a home for exotic felines that have been neglected, abandoned, or abused.
The center relies on volunteers and donations to support the health and care of the animals.You can book a tour of 45 minutes to an hour online or by phone. Guides introduce you to more than 20 cats of nine species. One option, the Head Keeper Tour, highlights the special bond between the keepers and the animals.
High-schoolers 15 and older can shadow animal care professionals to learn about animal husbandry and other aspects of Panther Ridge. The Panther Ridge Conservation Center is at 2143 D Road in Loxahatchee. For further information, you can visit their website.
