By Thiti Teerachin

In the bustling landscapes of Pattaya, a story of unparalleled devotion unfolded. At the heart of this tale was Mario Kleff, an architect with a burgeoning business, the Wandeegroup. Yet, when life presented him with two leopard cubs, their fragile eyes still sealed shut, their limbs too tender to walk, Mario's world pivoted.

The initial phase involved meticulous steps to ensure legality—registering the leopards, and embedding microchips for identification. While the local wildlife authorities had regulations and reservations about their dwelling place, the leopards, Fasai and Typhoon, quickly established their dominion over Mario's life and home.

The dedication Mario poured into their care was profound. Consulting wildlife specialists, feeding them with feline care, and personally nursing them through their initial blindness showcased his unwavering commitment. Yet, with every profound bond, challenges are bound to arise. A mere glimpse by an unsuspecting passerby at the Wandeegroup premises led to heightened scrutiny, entangling Mario in a battle of love, commitment, and sacrifice.

Mario once remarked, "I adopted them in my mind and heart," and he lived every word. The bond sometimes strained his domestic life, threatened his professional existence, and even led to significant financial decisions. Mario's pledge to Fasai and Typhoon was unequivocal, even if it meant sidelining prospective clients or making grand financial sacrifices.

Their early days together in Pattaya epitomized a love story unlike any other, a tale of a man and his leopards against the world.

The Genesis of a New Life

In the sprawling wilderness overseen by the Thai wildlife department, Mario Kleff found himself crafting pathways through towering grass, forging what he fondly termed the 'French and English gardens.' Flanked by ancient trees, glistening water channels, and blossoming ferns, these verdant spaces became the playground for his beloved leopards, Fasai and Typhoon. 

Comfort in Confinement

Amidst this unusual arrangement, the passage of time transformed the barren birdcage into a haven of comfort. With a sheet overhead and occasional treats of water and barbecues, the days unfolded with a semblance of normalcy. Morning visits from Meow and Ming Ming brought nourishment to the body and the soul. 

Venturing Beyond the Cage

Mario's boundless love and commitment led him to stretch boundaries, literally and figuratively. Evening strolls soon expanded into five-kilometre or more mountainous treks, evoking concern from the wildlife authorities. But as with many things in Mario's journey, compromises were struck, rules redefined, and boundaries redrawn. 

Deepening Bonds Amidst Legal Battles

Behind this daily routine, the legal wheels churned. The question of who truly 'owned' Fasai and Typhoon was not just a legal battle but a moral and emotional one. After fourteen strenuous months, the courts granted Meow the rightful ownership, a victory bittersweet in its essence. Yet, the bond had grown so deep that even when they could leave, Mario, with Fasai and Typhoon by his side, chose to stay a little longer in what they had come to call home. 

The Calm Before the Storm

Comfortably settled in the rescue clinic, Mario expanded his horizons by setting up an outdoor office, further blurring the lines between his professional endeavors and unparalleled commitment to the leopards. But as the days went by, tensions with the wildlife department grew palpable, leading them back to Som-O's father's abode. A semblance of peace seemed to have returned, but fate had another twist in store.

Heartbreak in the Horizon

Just as life appeared to find its rhythm, tragedy struck. Fasai's sudden ailment, the frantic search for remedies, and the devastating discovery of a fatal parasite culminated in a heart-wrenching climax. Mario's attempts to revive her, desperate and fervent, echoed the intensity of their journey together. Sadly, at the tender age of four and a half, Fasai succumbed, leaving a void impossible to fill. 

Unraveling the Mysterious End

The post-mortem revelations, linking Fasai's demise to infected buffalo meat, unveiled a larger, grim narrative. The aggressive parasite had claimed other victims at the Chiang Mai Night Safari, revealing the fragility of life and the interconnectedness of destinies.

Typhoon's New Horizon in Pattaya

After the heart-wrenching loss of Fasai, Typhoon found himself returning to the familiar embrace of Pattaya. The bustling city, with its juxtaposition of modernity and nature, became his sanctuary. As he roamed its landscapes, he carried with him the memories of Chiang Mai and the indomitable spirit of Fasai, etching their legacy into the heart of Pattaya. 

Epilogue: A Legacy of Love

Mario, Fasai, and Typhoon's tale are not just about a man and his leopards. It's a testament to the boundless capacity of the human heart, the intricate dance of fate, and the resilience of the spirit. In the verdant gardens crafted by Mario, amidst the towering grass and ancient trees, their legacy lives on, a testament to love, sacrifice, and undying devotion.

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