Saint Louis Zoo Welcomes Birth of Two Critically Endangered Amur Leopard Cubs

The Saint Louis Zoo has become a nursery for rare wildlife with the arrival of two precious Amur leopard cubs this spring, marking a significant stride in the conservation of one of the planet’s most endangered big cat species. Born on April 21, these female cubs, named Anya and Irina, symbolizing “grace” and “peace,” respectively, are sparking joy and hope for the future of their kind.

Currently being nurtured away from the public eye by their devoted mother, Dorothy, affectionately known as “Dot,” in a secluded maternity den within Big Cat Country, these cubs are the offspring of four-year-old parents. This birth is particularly momentous as it introduces the first litter for Dorothy and the father, Samson, also a newcomer to parenthood.

Anya and Irina represent a beacon of hope for the Amur leopard population, both in captivity and in the wild, where their numbers have dwindled alarmingly. With fewer than 100 individuals believed to be left in the wild, primarily in the coniferous forests of Primorye Province in far eastern Russia, every birth of this subspecies is critical for its survival. These cubs are the first born at the Saint Louis Zoo since 2010, underlining the significance of their arrival in bolstering the North American zoo population of this critically endangered species.

Their care is overseen by an attentive team, with carnivore keeper Jeff Wilson and curator of carnivores Steve Bircher monitoring their development closely. The initial months are vital, and so far, the cubs are showing signs of robust health, which is promising for their eventual introduction to the outdoor habitat alongside their father, Samson, who is already on exhibit.

Dorothy’s natural maternal instincts have impressed the zoo staff. Bircher expressed excitement and admiration for the first-time mother’s adept care, emphasizing the importance of each birth for the species’ continuity. The Amur leopard, with an adult weight ranging between 60 and 125 pounds, remains one of the world’s rarest big cats, making the zoo’s breeding program an essential component of global conservation efforts.

In a delightful coincidence, the zoo also celebrated the birth of a Somali wild ass foal named Astrid, born to Tukia on April 8. This addition too highlights the zoo’s commitment to preserving critically endangered species, contributing to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan.

Both births, the leopard cubs and the wild ass foal, signify the Saint Louis Zoo’s ongoing dedication to wildlife conservation and its role in safeguarding the future of these magnificent creatures. Through careful management and public education, the zoo aims to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation for the planet’s biodiversity, underscoring the critical need for conservation efforts worldwide.