Yorkshire Wildlife Park has welcomed two Amur Leopard cubs, marking a major milestone in efforts to save the most endangered big cat in the world.
Mother Kristen, 13, gave birth last week and is currently spending all her time nursing the babies. She and father Drake, 14, are already parents to Auckley who was born in June 2023 as part of a strategic international breeding programme.
The latest pair of cubs are only the second and third of their species to be born in the whole world this year.
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.”
She continued: “It’s extremely exciting to see our efforts of helping save these beautiful creatures come to fruition.
“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.”
(Image: Yorkshire Wildlife Park)
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.