21/08/2026
Jerry (YM44): The Romeo of Yala
Jerry, officially identified as YM44, is one of the most famous and admired male leopards in Yala National Park. He was first recorded as a young cub in November 2018 near Lolugas Wala, together with his brother Josh (YM45) and sister Jane (YF46). Identification records list their mother as the Siyambalagas Wala 3:3 Female.
As he grew older, Jerry gradually left his mother’s territory and began exploring the northern region of Yala Block I. Today, he is mainly seen around Modaragala, Y-Junction, Thalgasmankada, Kotabendi Wewa, Koma Wewa, Warahana and Pemdas Wila. His ability to control this extensive territory has earned him the unofficial title “King of the North.”
Jerry is a powerful and experienced male. He is a skilled hunter who seems to understand exactly when to wait and when to attack. Field observers have also reported an aggressive encounter between Jerry and Diego (YM79), showing the constant competition among Yala’s adult male leopards.
However, Jerry is equally famous for his romantic encounters and is often called the “Romeo of Yala.” He has frequently been seen mating with Sasha (YF12), who was later observed with three cubs. Jerry has also been associated with Malee (YF55), Selena (YF48), Cherry (YF67) and several other females. Although he may have fathered several cubs, their paternity cannot be confirmed without DNA evidence.
Despite being a powerful territorial male, Jerry has a very relaxed personality. He loves sleeping beneath shady bushes or resting on rocks for many hours. Safari visitors may wait patiently for him to move, only to see him change his position and return to sleep.
From a small cub near Lolugas Wala to one of northern Yala’s dominant males, Jerry’s journey is a remarkable story of strength and survival. Powerful, confident and full of character, the “Romeo of Yala” remains one of the park’s most fascinating and much-loved leopards.
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