50. KEEPER OF THE ROSE LEOPARDS: IRUSAQ,

15^TH CENTURY POST IMPERIUM

Rose leopards originally came from Old Iboriis, but in the changes wrought by the huge exodus to Nrat-tuan after the departure of the water people, they nearly became extinct. Irusaqi philanthropologist organisations raised the funds to import the last of the breeding pairs into Irusaq with the intention of increasing the numbers of these beautiful creatures. Zoos and collections all over Irusaq keep the leopards, despite the difficulties in maintaining their terrain and dietary needs. Their beautiful rosy colours come from their diet of small fish, and these have to be bred in an specially-created Iboriisi environment. Consequently, leopards have become a huge tourist attraction which brings in enough revenue to keep them . The Keeper heads the whole programme and is the only person entitled to use the skins which decorate his Robe.