Leopards at EARS

Meet Sassafras (Sassy) and Tatiana – Black Leopards with a Powerful Presence

At EARS – Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary, we’re proud to provide lifelong refuge for two extraordinary black leopards: Sassafras, lovingly called Sassy, and her majestic companion Tatiana.

These two leopards share a rare trait — a melanistic coat, which gives them a deep black appearance with subtle spots visible only under certain light. This rare variation helps them blend into the shadows and makes them nearly invisible at night. In the wild, this adaptation aids with stealth and survival. In captivity, it makes them even more mysterious and captivating.

Their beauty is undeniable — but their story, like so many rescued animals, begins with hardship.

What Is a Black Leopard?

Contrary to common belief, black leopards are not a separate species. They are leopards (Panthera pardus) with a genetic variation called melanism, which causes excess dark pigmentation. While their black coat appears solid in certain light, you can still see the classic leopard spots — known as rosettes — when the sun hits just right.

Melanistic leopards are most commonly found in dense forests in parts of Asia and Africa, where the dark coat provides ideal camouflage. In captivity, however, these animals are often bred intentionally for their appearance, not their health or wellbeing.

The Journey to Sanctuary

Like many exotic animals in captivity, Sassafras and Tatiana were born at one of our previous veterinarians facility, she had taken their pregnant mother in with health issues. She raised them and they lived a quiet life with her until her health started to fail where she reached out to us to take them knowing we would love them as she did and give them the forever quiet home they deserve. You see not all come from horrible situations, we at EARS open our doors to all who may need us and who we are licensed to care for.

That’s where EARS steps in.

Our sanctuary exists to provide a permanent, peaceful home to animals like Sassafras and Tatiana — who deserve a life free from fear, confinement, or commodification.

At EARS, they receive:

Secure, naturalistic enclosures with shade, climbing areas, and privacy
Species-appropriate nutrition and veterinary care
Enrichment to encourage natural behaviors and reduce stress
A calm environment with minimal public exposure

Caring for Black Leopards in Captivity

Leopards are among the most adaptable big cats, but captivity poses real challenges — especially for animals bred in inhumane or neglectful settings.

Key aspects of their care at EARS include:

Space to climb and hide: As solitary cats, leopards need visual barriers and vertical space to feel secure
Limited exposure to crowds: EARS restricts public interaction to reduce anxiety and stress triggers
Proper diet: Our team ensures a balanced intake of protein and essential nutrients tailored to each leopard’s age and health profile
Veterinary oversight: Both leopards receive routine wellness checks and care for any chronic issues stemming from past neglect

We are constantly providing the best solution to enrich our amazing — yet endangered — animals’ quality of life.

Leopards in the Wild and in Crisis

Leopards are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with certain subspecies considered Endangered or Critically Endangered. Their populations are under threat from habitat loss, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and conflict with humans.

In captivity, these same animals are often overbred, undercared for, or sold into entertainment industries with no concern for their physical or psychological health.

Sanctuaries like EARS provide a rare alternative — a place where animals like Sassafras and Tatiana can live out their lives on their terms, without being bred, sold, or displayed for profit.

Why Your Support Matters

Rescuing and caring for big cats like Sassafras and Tatiana requires more than compassion — it takes infrastructure, veterinary expertise, food, security, and ongoing enrichment.

Here’s how your support makes an impact:

Habitat Maintenance: Leopards need highly secure, well-structured enclosures to remain safe and stimulated
Medical Support: Aging cats often need specialized care, supplements, and treatments
Daily Feeding & Enrichment: Each meal and enrichment activity is designed with health and behavior in mind
Emergency Preparedness: Your donations help ensure we’re ready for future rescues

Help Sassafras, Tatiana, and Others Like Them

If you love animals and want to help the animals at EARS, donate today. Every contribution helps us continue providing the highest quality of life to the residents in our care — and prepares us to welcome future rescues in need.

Sponsor a Leopard: Make a monthly commitment to support Sassafras or Tatiana’s ongoing care
Book a Tour: Visit the sanctuary on our public tour day or schedule a private visit to learn more about our mission
Follow Us Online: Stay connected through Facebook and Google to hear the latest updates from the sanctuary

Share Our Mission: Awareness saves lives — tell your friends about EARS and the stories of animals like Sassafras and Tatiana

Powerful, Silent, Resilient — and Home at Last

Tatiana passed away quietly at age 23 years old this past year. Although Sassafras misses her she receives much love and attention from our volunteers. Currently Sassy is doing well for a 24-year-old black leopard. Keep in mind most all big cats in captivity live twice as long as they would in the wild. Captivity done right isn’t as hard on them, as they receive regular veterinary care as well as food, and safe places to live with out the threat of human encroachment, poaching or other predators threatening them or their territory. Thank you for supporting our sanctuary.