For the very first time ever, there has been a Strawberry leopard observed in Welgevonden Game Reserve at the end of 2023. This unique sighting via aerial census, was an absolutely remarkable discovery for the reserve.
A strawberry leopard is a colour variant of the African leopard. These very rare leopards have pale skin, faint spots, and blue eyes. Whereas the African leopard normally has way darker spots and more pigmented tones. Strawberry leopards have a genetic condition that produces more red pigments and less dark pigments. Only a couple of sightings of these incredibly rare leopards have been recorded throughout South Africa.
Spotting a leopard in general can be quite challenging in Big 5 reserves, since they are generally solitary and like to hang out in dense bushes and in trees. Furthermore, they are mostly nocturnal, which makes it even more difficult to spot them. Luckily in Welgevonden Game Reserve, we have a lot of great sightings of these amazing big cats.
Hopefully one would be lucky enough to see this amazing strawberry leopard during a game drive and stay at Elephants Crossing safari lodge – contact our reservations manager, Olivia to seek out our availability via reservations@crossinglodges.com or give here a call +27 87 056 9937