Bioparc Valencia Says Goodbye to Negombo, One of Europe's Longest-Living Sri Lankan Leopards

A Remarkable Life — Nearly Double the Wild Average

Bioparc Valencia has announced the death of Negombo, a male Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) who had lived at the park for over 15 years. He was 21 years old — just weeks away from turning 22.

Sri Lankan leopards in the wild typically live between 10 and 12 years. Negombo nearly doubled that lifespan — a testament, the park says, to the specialist care he received throughout his nearly two decades at Bioparc Valencia.

His Story

Negombo arrived at Bioparc Valencia in 2009, transferred from La Palmyre Zoo in France as part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) — an international conservation initiative focused on the Sri Lankan leopard, a subspecies classified as Endangered by the IUCN.

During his time at the park, he lived alongside two females — Mamba and Ines, both of whom have since passed away. Together they contributed to controlled breeding efforts under the EEP. His offspring are now living in other European institutions, where they continue to contribute to conservation work for the subspecies.

Final Months and Euthanasia

In his final months, Negombo suffered from chronic age-related health conditions. After intensive veterinary monitoring determined that his condition was irreversible and that further suffering could not be avoided, the decision was made to euthanise him humanely.

What Comes Next

Bioparc Valencia has confirmed that the park is now awaiting the arrival of a new Sri Lankan leopard in order to continue its vital conservation work for this endangered subspecies. The Sri Lankan leopard faces significant pressure in the wild from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, making captive breeding programmes an important part of the species' long-term survival strategy.

This article is based on reporting from Spanish News Today, published May 6, 2026.