Frequently Asked Questions

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Everest and Kilimanjaro are leopards.  Everest was born in a zoo in the States, somewhere in the West.  Separated from his mother at an early age, he soon escaped from captivity and made his way to the Bay Area, where he met Kilimanjaro.  Kilimanjaro was born in Tanzania in the Serengeti National Park, but escaped with his parents to seek asylum in India.  After a brief stay, the family spent the next year on the move, spending short periods in Indonesia, Tahiti, and Mexico before settling in California.  Kilimanjaro struck out on his own and was living in the Bay Area when he met Everest.

Their history since that fateful meeting is familar to any reader of Newsweek, Time, or People -- the first public appearances, the charity concert in Monterey, the multi-platinum album, the short-lived TV series, the wrongful death lawsuit filed by CAA, the acquittal, the confessional interview with Barbara Walters, the biography, and, most recently, the comeback tour.  For further information, refer to the CNN archives under "maulings".

For security and legal reasons, their current home cannot be revealed.  They have lived in the Bay Area and in Boston, and have traveled extensively domestically and abroad. Due to the sparse record keeping in Africa, Kilimanjaro's exact age and birthdate are unknown.  He estimates his age as approximately 5, although physical examination has led physicians to believe this might be a slight underestimate.  Everest was born in a zoo, but refuses to state where or when to avoid recapture.  Physical examination has led physicians to believe that he is somewhere between 5 and 7. Everest is a clouded leopard, characterized by darker fur tones and brown spots.  Kilimanjaro is a snow leopard, characterized by white fur and black spots.  (insert big cats web links here) Sudden celebrity is a burden for any species, but leopards are particularly affected due to their solitary, nocturnal nature.  The constant media attention has cut into their much-needed afternoon naps, and speculation in the press regarding mysterious disappearances have caused them intense distress.  On the other hand, they are glad to have this opportunity to bring the public's attention to the plight of the modern urban leopard. No.  They are just good friends. Everest and Kilimanjaro stand for as little as possible.  They do, however, support the United Leopard College Fund, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Furred Creatures, and their own charitable foundation, Free the Cats. Captivity of Leopards Awareness Week.  Each year, demonstrations are held in major zoos across the country and across the world demanding the release of captive large cats.  CLAW is the first week in May.  To support this marvelous cause, please call your local organizing committee or the Free the Cats national offices in Boston. Like all leopards, Everest and Kilimanjaro enjoy pouncing, napping, eating, stalking and rending.  Given the freedom of the modern urban environment, they have been able to explore museums, shopping centers, public transportation, and television to supplement both their diet and their entertainment options. Most of their income is provided through the foundation to support their valuable work in bringing awareness to the plight of the modern urban leopard and the many large cats still in captivity.  Proceeds from hunting expeditions supplement the foundation's meagre coffers, as do speaking engagements and promotional appearances.  They also are occasionally seen lurking near ATMs. As public figures, Everest and Kilimanjaro feel it is necessary to have a presence on the Web, to allow their fans and admirers more access to them in this informal environment.  This can serve to bring more awareness to their charitable causes, and provide a gathering place for modern urban leopards to share their experiences. Monetary contributions can be sent to Free the Cats.  Contributions of non-cash goods or meat can be dropped off at midnight under the tallest tree in the Boston Common.  Don't worry about the burnt-out streetlight, it's perfectly safe.  You may want to wait for a few minutes by the tree to ensure that your donation is secure.