Bakari’s early years mimic that of so many wild animals that have been kept and continue to be kept in horrible captive environments as attractions for tourists and abused for human amusement, and profits. He was used as a drawing card in a German zoo where visitors could take a picture with him during Christmas dinners. At two months old, he was taken to a safari park where he was hand raised and placed in a small enclosure directly adjacent to lions. 

Given the territorial nature of the big cats and the solitary nature of a leopard, placing Bakari in such proximity to lions subjected him to perpetual stress, exacerbated by the fact that he was in a tiny enclosure where he felt defenseless. 

When FOUR PAWS took over the establishment and named it FELIDA at the end of 2013, Bakari was placed in a large, new enclosure with his species-appropriate amenities. He finally had the opportunity to jump, climb and artfully conceal himself. He was then transferred to his forever home, LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary where he continues to develop and enjoy his species-appropriate surroundings. FOUR PAWS stays opposed to the exploitation of big cats for entertainment and profit purposes. Wild animals belong in the wild.