The Monkey Who Painted the Leopard

Originally, the Leopard had a plain, sandy-colored coat. He was a great hunter, but he was frustrated because the other animals could see him coming from far away. He went to the Monkey, who was known for his cleverness and skill with patterns. "Friend Monkey," he said, "I need a coat that will help me hide. Can you paint me?" The Monkey agreed. He told the Leopard to lie still, and he began to paint beautiful dark spots and rosettes all over the Leopard's coat. When he was finished, the Leopard looked at his reflection in a pool of water and was amazed. He could now blend in perfectly with the dappled light of the bush. As payment, the Leopard promised the Monkey that he and his family would always be safe from his attacks. And this is why, the Zulus say, leopards have spots—they were a gift from the clever Monkey. It is also why leopards are expert hunters, and why they rarely hunt monkeys, respecting the ancient pact.