Onyx was living in an apartment in Arlington as a pet, prior to his arrival at IEAS. A bad declaw job before his arrival had made it painful to walk. Onyx had corrective surgery to remove his claws that had grown back in an inverted position.

Personality Traits

Onyx is the Sanctuary's resident black male leopard. He, like the Amur leopards, shows that one can not generalize about the aggressiveness of leopards. Onyx really enjoys the companionship and visits of those he likes, showing his pleasure in very animated ways: rubbing, rolling on the ground or perch, and making soft moans. However, he is a leopard and is always watching for any inattention or carelessness. He would quickly grab and show his instinctual tendencies, if given the opportunity. He has grown up with the female cougar, Ndito, and she keeps him active by constantly play-stalking and springing at him from all angles.

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