Persian Leopard Named Danny After NBA Star Deni Avdija Arrives in Israel

A young Persian leopard named Astrof has arrived at the Ramat Gan Safari in Israel from Sweden, where he has been given the Israeli name Danny, in honor of NBA player Deni Avdija. Danny, born on June 20, 2024, was transferred from the Nordens Ark zoo in Sweden as part of a European breeding program for the endangered Persian leopard species.

The Safari hopes Danny will eventually become a mate for Noah, a female Persian leopard already residing there, with the goal of producing cubs. Before any introductions, Danny will undergo a gradual acclimatization process, starting in his indoor enclosure and slowly being introduced to his outdoor habitat. His integration with Noah will also be a gradual process, beginning with scent and presence before direct contact, depending on their behavior.

Danny's former caretakers in Sweden described him as calm, curious, and having a good appetite. He is accustomed to human interaction and has undergone training for veterinary procedures. His initial behavior at the Safari aligns with these descriptions, and his former keepers noted rabbit as a favorite food.

The decision to name the leopard after Deni Avdija was a tribute to the basketball player, whom the Safari sees as representing excellence, values, perseverance, hard work, and success. "These are precisely the values that we connect with at the Safari, in our daily work and in our efforts to conserve endangered species," explained Safari spokesperson Hila Feldman Gra. Avdija expressed his excitement about the honor, stating, "It's not every day a leopard is named after you. It's a great honor and a gesture that truly moved me. Thank you to the Safari, and I look forward to meeting Danny the leopard."

This naming tradition follows previous instances at the Safari, including Noah, named after singer Noa Kirel, and Koresh, named after a historical figure. The Persian leopard is critically endangered, with an estimated 750 to 1,044 individuals remaining in the wild. Breeding programs in zoos aim to maintain genetic diversity and support reintroduction efforts, with successful releases already occurring in the Caucasus region since 2016.