Rare Leopard Arrives At Gulf Coast Zoo

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores has announced the arrival of Mystique, an Amur leopard and the newest resident of the zoo’s big cat family. The 11-year-old leopard is melanistic, meaning that her coat is all black instead of the standard yellow and black. Her coat does still have spots, called rosettes, which are more visible in direct sunlight. Amur leopards are among the most endangered big cats in the world, with only an estimated 100-120 left in the wild. The species continues to face threats from habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflict. “We are honored to welcome Mystique to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo,” said Joel Hamilton, the zoo’s executive director. “Her presence allows us to further our mission of educating the public about endangered species and the conservation efforts needed to protect them.”