Critically Endangered Amur Leopard Cubs exploring in Colchester
It is estimated that there are only around 70 Amur leopards left in the wild
The recent addition to Colchester Zoo are the critically endangered Amur leopards.
Two cubs have been out exploring their habitat with mum, Esra, at various times each day.
Emma Rasey, Colchester Zoo’s Carnivore Team Leader, says:
"The cubs have now started to venture into the main outside habitat. Mum, Ersa, is keeping a watchful eye and quickly returns the pair to the indoor area when she feels they’ve gone too far.
"There is one cub that is a little more adventurous than the other but each day they are both becoming more confident.
"They are only outside occasionally so if you cannot see them, it is likely that they are sleeping in their den.
"Both cubs are healthy and we look forward to finding out their sexes in due course" says Emma.
Amur leopards live in temperate forests in the Russian Far East and north-east China.
It is estimated that there are only around 70 Amur leopards left in the wild.
They are threatened by a number of factors including being hunted for their fur and use in traditional Chinese medicines; their habitat being destroyed causing depletion of their prey; their small population also puts them at risk from catastrophes such as fire, disease and inbreeding.
This is why conservation of this species is vital.
Although the Amur leopard cubs are beginning to go outside on occasion, Colchester Zoo kindly asks that visitors remain quiet in the area whilst they settle into their new environment.
For more information on the significance of these young cubs, you can read the birth announcement on the Colchester Zoo website at www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com.