Leopon “Johnny” is now on display on the 1st floor of Nishinomiya City Hall’s Second Government Building.
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Leopon “Johnny” is now
on the 1st floor of Nishinomiya City Hall’s Second Government Building 🐆!
＼For many years, the “leopon,”
a lion-leopard hybrid, was a popular attraction
at places like Koshien Hanshin Park 🐾While preparations are underway for its permanent display area,
Johnny’s taxidermy mount will be exhibited
on the 1st floor of the City Hall Second Government Building 👏Please come and see him ✨#レオポン pic.twitter.com/1qKDnvdRuK
— Nishinomiya City Hall, Hyogo Prefecture (@nishinomiya_shi) September 18, 2025
The “leopon” 🐾, a lion-leopard hybrid that was popular for many years at places like Koshien Hanshin Park, will apparently have Johnny’s taxidermy mount displayed on the 1st floor of Nishinomiya City Hall’s Second Government Building while preparations are underway for its display area.
What is Leopon “Johnny”?
In 1959, “Leokichi” and “Ponko” were born to the leopard “Kaneo” and the lion “Sonoko.” Later, in 1961, three siblings, “Johnny,” “Cherry,” and “Daisy,” were also born.
However, all five died between 1970 and 1985, and they were preserved as taxidermy mounts and displayed until Hanshin Park closed.
After the park closed:
- “Leokichi” and “Ponko” → Tennoji Zoo
- “Cherry” and “Daisy” → National Museum of Nature and Science
- “Johnny” → remained in Nishinomiya and stayed on display
You can read more about the leopons on Nishinomiya Style.
Johnny, who had been on display at “Reso Naruohama” in Naruohama, can now apparently be seen at the Second Government Building.
Finally
For those who remember the Koshien Hanshin Park days, this is sure to bring back memories, while younger generations may be surprised by his existence. It’s great that “Leopon Johnny,” a piece of Nishinomiya’s history, has found a new place to stay.
