CHAPTER XXI
baby leopards
I CHRISTENED little Dick, the baby leopard I am going to tell you about. To begin with, the little fellow had a great deal to be proud of. He came into the world well-born. His father was the largest and handsomest leopard in the whole menagerie, and his mother was the sweetest tempered and best behaved animal the zoo boasted. Little Dick inherited the fine points of both parents. He is a tiny weentie mite of gold coloured fur, handsomely marked with black spots. His under parts were cream coloured, paling to white, his eyes were deep blue and helpless looking; but his mustachios bristled saucily and when annoyed he spit and showed temper. At birth he was about the size of a half-grown cat. When he was five weeks old, his mother died. Two days later, his father was sold and little Dick was left an orphan. He bore his trouble bravely through the day, but as night approached, and the darkness crept in, he whimpered miserably from the corner of the big lonesome cage. His keeper was kind and gentle for he pitied the lonely little baby. So he took Dick from the cage, and wrapping him in a warm blanket, tucked him away in a little box with his nursing bottle. A cold snap came and baby Dick took a severe cold. It settled on his lungs and soon developed into pneumonia. Then the battle for the baby's life began. The terrible tightness of the lungs was relieved with molasses and turpentine. Warm milk and beaten egg were given to keep up his failing strength. The keeper took the suffering little one to his own home, and made him a bed behind the kitchen stove. After two perilous weeks, Dick won the long fight and was soon on the road to health. It wasn't long before he was running about the house and making more noise than the whole family put together. He liked to climb up on the bed and sleep on the pillow beside his master. Ah! but those were glorious days!—spent romping with the children, having the run of the whole house, and so many delicious things to eat. It was no wonder his cheeks grew round and his sides puffed out. Then the tabby cat became friendly with him. At first she had been inclined to be a bit jealous, but the pitiful condition of the poor little beastie softened her heart and she decided to be friendly with him. Anyway, Tab was a good sport, and divided her milk with him. He took advantage of her good nature and drank it all. A sound cuff from Tabby's good right paw awoke him to the realisation that she refused to be imposed upon by him or any other four-legged creature. So Dick became careful about displaying his faults, became better mannered, and developed a wholesome respect for Tabby. One fine day he was pronounced cured and taken back to the menagerie. He had improved so much in his personal appearance the animals scarcely recognised him. Dick could hardly believe his senses when he saw three baby lions in the adjoining cage. They certainly were interesting to look at in their spotted coats, almost like Dick's own. They were not half his age, but were larger than he and fat as butter balls. The little lions were friendly and trusting. One fellow slipped a clumsy paw through the bars and wanted to play. Dick responded to his greeting and soon they were enjoying pleasant games together. It wasn't a bit lonesome after the lions came. They were the jolliest lot of fellows and there was something doing every minute.
Dick has developed a terrible fondness for meat. His gluttony for this particular article of diet has nearly cost him his life on several occasions. He won't chew his meat, he bolts it whole and the wad sticks in his throat and strangles him. Only the skill of his keeper saves him at these dangerous periods. The keeper jumps into his den and rubs the offending lump down his throat into his stomach. Dick is fifteen months old now, and really knows better. I fear for his life if the keeper should be a few minutes late some time.
This leopard loves to roll balls. He has several in his cage, and can roll them all at one time. He is really quite a juggler. This feat excites the little lions who can roll only one ball at a time. They don't realise that Dick is twice their age, much nimbler, and more certain.
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| Courtesy of New York Zoological Society |
| "Little Dick," this baby leopard, is evidently plotting some mischief, for his paws are twitching and the tip of his long tail quivering. However his eyes look very innocent and that is why I am most suspicious of his good intentions. |
The black leopard looks exactly like a big black cat with glittering, green eyes.
From one to four babies are born at a time. They are inclined to be friendly with man and animals of different species. Leopards often make devoted pets, and I know several animal trainers who have received life-long devotion from their pet leopards. There are vicious ones, of course, but the most of them are worthy of consideration and respect.
The habits of little leopards in the wild state are much the same as the kittens of our domestic cats would be if they had not been handled by mankind. They are loving and playful with each other but shy and timid of other creatures, whom they distrust.
The cheetah, or hunting leopard of India, is a most remarkable animal. He is half dog-like in aspect, having non-retractile claws, the jaw square, the forehead high and full and the eyes are a deep golden brown. The cheetah is employed by the nobles of India to hunt with, in the same manner as the sportsmen of our country use dogs.
The jaguar of America is a first cousin to the leopard. He is larger and heavier than the leopard and the rings of black that adorn his golden skin contain a black spot in the centre that gives it the appearance of a rosette. All the Leopards are fascinating in their grace and skill.