Study Reveals 98% of Dallas Zoo Visitors Went to Pet the Leopards

DALLAS, TX - A surprising new study out of Dallas has revealed that a staggering 98% of Dallas Zoo visitors went exclusively to pet the leopards, researchers confirmed.

"This is incredible information," said lead researcher Dr. Marie Smith as she announced the study's results. "What we've found is that, of the one million-plus visitors the Dallas Zoo receives annually, over 98% of them are only going to pet the leopards. They may stop and see a few other animals on their way to the Wildcats of the World habitat, but their primary and seemingly exclusive reason for coming to the zoo is to get up close and pet the zoo's leopards."

Researchers state the remaining 2% of visitors are evenly split between those who come to the zoo to watch the aquarium staff feed the rays and those who are accidentally at the zoo thinking it's the Arboretum.

"This really explains a lot," said Zoo Director Rob Johnson as he announced plans for a dedicated Petting Zoo Leopard habitat. "We've always been amazed at the number of visitors who come so early in the morning that they're lined up at the gate when we open and immediately make a mad dash for the leopard viewing area. Now, with this information, we can better cater to what clearly the people of Dallas want when they come to the Dallas Zoo."

As of publishing time, the Dallas World Aquarium had released a statement asking that people please just come to the Aquarium instead of trying to use the Zoo's penguins for target practice.