Two Rare Leopard Cubs Born at St. Louis Zoo
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The St. Louis Zoo is celebrating a momentous occasion with the recent birth of two rare Amur leopard cubs, born on August 13th. The proud parents, 7-year-olds Dot and Samson, welcomed the critically endangered cubs, marking a significant contribution to the population of one of the world’s most endangered big cats. The zoo described the birth as “a victory for the future of one of the world’s rarest and most remarkable animals.”
The two newborn cubs, along with their mother, Dot, are reported to be in good health and are currently bonding in their private, indoor maternity den. The St. Louis Zoo anticipates that it will be several months before the cubs are ready to make their public debut, as they typically stay with their mother until they are old enough to venture out on their own.
Samson, the father of the cubs, can be observed by visitors in his habitat at Big Cat Country within the zoo. This recent birth is particularly special as it is Dot and Samson’s second litter, with Julie Hartell-DeNardo, the Saint Louis Zoo Kevin Beckmann Curator of Carnivores, noting that “Dot knows exactly what to do with the new cubs.”
The staff at the zoo emphasised the importance of each Amur leopard birth, highlighting the critical role it plays in the preservation of this rare species. The Animal Care Team is closely monitoring the cubs and their mother through cameras to observe their behaviours and ensure that Dot is effectively caring for her young.
The upcoming weeks will see the cubs undergo their first veterinary check-up, during which their sexes will be determined. Following this, they will also be given names. Since their arrival at the St. Louis Zoo in 2020 and 2021, from other zoos, Dot and Samson have been part of a breeding programme focused on protecting the Amur leopard species from extinction.
Amur leopards are considered the most endangered large cats globally, with only around 100 remaining in the wild in regions such as the Russian Far East and northeastern China. The successful birth of these cubs at the St. Louis Zoo is not just a cause for celebration locally but also a significant win for the ongoing conservation efforts aimed at preserving these remarkable animals.
In conclusion, the birth of the two rare Amur leopard cubs at the St. Louis Zoo represents a beacon of hope for the future of this critically endangered species. Zoos like St. Louis play a vital role in ensuring the survival of these magnificent animals through dedicated breeding and conservation programmes. The public eagerly awaits the day when these cubs will make their first appearance, marking another milestone in the ongoing mission to protect the Amur leopards from extinction.