Two 'adorable' Amur Leopard cubs born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
The exceptionally rare new arrivals could help to save their species from extinction
Two tiny Amur Leopard cubs have been born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, in what keepers say could be a big step forward for the endangered species.
Mum Kristen gave birth to the two babies at the end of last month.
It's her second litter of cubs with dad Drake, with the birth of Auckley in June 2023.
Both are part of an international breeding programme set up to help save the species, of which there are fewer than 100 remaining in the wild.
The birth is so rare the pair are only the second and third cubs known to have been born in captivity so far this year.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park Animal Director Dr. Charlotte MacDonald said: “The two new cubs are significant symbols of hope for the species, especially so soon after the arrival of Auckley.
“Kristen is proving again to be a great mum. So far, everything is going well with them, and we’re keeping them under constant supervision to see that all’s okay.
“Cubs only weigh 2 to 3 kilos when born and will spend their first two months in the den inside the house at Leopard Heights.”
“ We’re looking forward to having leopard cubs around again and very excited to introduce the cubs to our visitors, who will be able see the cubs in their den on live camera via a screen.”