3rd May 2026
Celebrate in Style at Leopard Creek, Kent
Every year on 3rd May, wildlife lovers around the world come together to celebrate International Leopard Day - a moment to recognise one of nature’s most elusive and beautiful big cats, the leopard (Panthera pardus), and to raise awareness of the urgent need to protect them.
At Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, this global celebration takes on a truly unforgettable dimension. Here in the heart of Kent, you can do more than simply admire these magnificent animals - you can stay beside them, learn about their conservation, and actively support their future.
Why International Leopard Day Matters
International Leopard Day was established following the Global Leopard Conference in 2023, the first worldwide gathering dedicated entirely to leopard conservation. Despite being one of the most adaptable big cats, leopards have lost 75% of their historic range and are now classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Leopards are not just beautiful, they are essential.
As apex predators, they help maintain the balance of ecosystems by controlling herbivore populations and supporting biodiversity. They are also considered a keystone species, meaning their presence has a disproportionately large impact on the health of their environment.
Protecting leopards means protecting entire ecosystems.
Meet Port Lympne Reserve's Sri Lankan Leopards
At Port Lympne, guests at Leopard Creek will come face-to-face with two extraordinary residents: Yagoda and Nuwara, Sri Lankan leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya).
Yagoda
Nuwara
Our top tips for spotting leopards:
Listen: Leopards can produce a variety of sounds, including growls, roars, and even a unique "sawing" call that sounds like a chainsaw.
Look up: Leopards have excellent tree-climbing skills, often storing prey high above the ground.
Despite their strength, they face serious threats in the wild, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching and climate change.
Spending time observing Yagoda and Nuwara offers a rare opportunity to connect with this vulnerable subspecies and understand why their protection is so important.
Stay at Leopard Creek
If you’re looking for a truly meaningful way to celebrate International Leopard Day, a stay at Leopard Creek is unlike anything else in the UK.
Overlooking a beautifully designed leopard habitat, this exclusive accommodation allows guests to sleep just metres away from one of the world’s most elegant predators.
Choose Your Perfect Stay:
Leopard Creek Cub
Sleeping 2 in a king-sized bed with ensuite shower, the Cubs at Leopard Creek are a rustic retreat with stunning views of the reserve.
Book Leopard Creek Cub
Leopard Creek Cabin
The charming Cabins sleep up to 4 (2 adults & 2 children under 8yrs), in a double bed and 2 single child beds on the cosy mezzanine level, with ensuite facilities.
Book Leopard Creek Cabin
Leopard Creek Wigwam
Our luxurious Wigwams sleep up to 4 guests (2 adults & 2 children under 8 yrs). Panoramic windows and underfloor heating make this a cosy retreat with stunning views of the Reserve and unmissable photo opportunities of your wild neighbours.
Book Leopard Creek WigwamA Stay That Supports Conservation
What makes Leopard Creek truly special is that your stay is not just a luxury escape - it’s a direct contribution to conservation.
Every visit to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve supports endangered species.
By staying at Leopard Creek, you are helping to:
- Support breeding programmes for endangered species
- Raise awareness for vulnerable animals like the leopard
It’s a powerful way to make your holiday count.
How to Celebrate International Leopard Day
Whether you visit Port Lympne Reserve in person or celebrate from home, there are plenty of ways to get involved:
- Share your support using #InternationalLeopardDay, #LoveLeopards, #ForTheLoveOfLeopards and #portlympnereserve
- Post your favourite leopard photos or wildlife memories
- Take part in a sponsored walk, run or bike ride for The Aspinall Foundation
- Get creative with leopard-themed baking or art
- Plan a future stay at Leopard Creek
Every action helps raise awareness for a species that urgently needs our support.
Experience the Wild. Protect the Future.
This International Leopard Day, go beyond simply marking the occasion - experience it.
At Leopard Creek, you’ll not only enjoy an extraordinary stay in the Kent countryside, but also gain a deeper understanding of one of the world’s most iconic big cats, and play a part in securing their future.
Because when you stay at Port Lympne, you’re not just escaping to the wild... you’re helping send animals back to it.
