A Chinese zoo has given up on its efforts to help an overweight leopard lose weight after two months of attempts showed little to no progress.
In March, a leopard at Panzhihua Park Zoo in China’s Sichuan Province became an internet sensation when photos and videos of the overweight feline went viral.
The leopard quickly earned the nickname "China’s Officer Clawhauser," referencing the chubby police officer from Disney’s animated film, Zootopia.
While some people found the leopard’s round appearance amusing, others expressed serious concerns about its health and well-being. In response to the mounting criticism, the zoo promised to implement changes to help the leopard shed a few pounds.
According to China Daily, Panzhihua Park Zoo recently announced that their efforts had failed, as the real-life Officer Clawhauser had not lost any weight in two months.
Failed Weight-Loss Efforts
Zoo officials explained that the leopard, a resident since 2010, is now 16 years old—equivalent to 60-70 human years. They cited the animal’s advanced age and limited space for exercise as factors contributing to its obesity.
Despite the weight issue, the leopard receives regular checkups and is otherwise in good health.
The zoo’s assurances that the leopard was healthy despite its obesity did little to calm public concerns. Consequently, Panzhihua Park Zoo announced a plan to help the animal lose weight through changes in feeding, environmental improvements, and increased exercise.
Unfortunately, this plan proved a lot more effective on paper than in practice.
Earlier this month, Panzhihua Park Zoo released a statement declaring that they were halting their weight-loss efforts for the leopard. Despite doubling the animal’s enclosure space, enforcing a strict diet, and adjusting its feeding schedule, the leopard did not lose any weight.
After consulting with experts, they concluded that the leopard was too old to change, and it was best to let it be.
Leopards can live up to 23 years in captivity.
“All is fine as long as he is healthy and happy,” zoo staff said about Officer Clawhauser.
