SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Two endangered Amur leopard cubs were born at Utah’s Hogle Zoo, and guests may be able to see them later this summer.
The cubs were born Wednesday to 13-year-old mother Zeya and 13-year-old father Dmitri, according to the zoo. Zoo officials said in a social media post that this marks the pair’s sixth litter together.
“Hogle Zoo’s animal care team has been observing Zeya and the cubs through high-definition cameras, noting attentive care and consistent nursing. They have also heard soft grunts and early vocalizations inside the den,” the zoo said.
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The zoo added that the cubs will not be immediately visible to visitors as they bond with their mother in a private den.
According to zoo officials, Amur leopard cubs are born blind and rely on their mother for sound, scent, and touch. Their eyes typically open seven to 10 days after birth.
The zoo said the two newborn cubs represent an important milestone in efforts to protect endangered species. The Amur leopard is native to the temperate forests of Russia and China.
“With as few as 130 mature individuals left in their natural habitat, Amur leopards are among the rarest cats in the world. These nocturnal, solitary cats face ongoing threats from habitat loss, prey scarcity, low genetic diversity, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade,” the zoo said.
Amur leopards can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour and are powerful, silent hunters.
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