14 DAY TRIAL // Earlier this year, an Amur leopard living in captivity at Twycross Zoo in the UK delivered two cubs. The young felines, whose birth was announced only a few days ago, are both as good-looking as it gets.
According to staff at Twycross Zoo, the adorable cubs, one of which is pictured next to this article, were born on June 2 to mom Kristen. They are in good health and active.
Despite being only 2 years old, Kristen appears to be doing a wonderful job looking after its offspring. Thus, the leopard mom watches their every step, and is always by their side to make sure they don't get in trouble.
Wildlife researchers and conservationists say that, in this day and age, less that 50 Amur leopards are left in the wild. Consequently, the species is considered a critically endangered one.
Apparently, poaching, illegal logging, and land development are to blame for the fact that this species of felines is now in danger of going extinct, Zoo Borns informs.
Hoping to save Amur leopards from falling off the biodiversity map, conservationists are trying to breed these big cats in captivity. The two cubs born at Twycross Zoo are expected to help save the species.
“We are hopeful that these UK-born babies will one day be part of wider conservation plans for the reintroduction of the species to the wild,” says Dr. Charlotte Macdonald, Head of Life Sciences at Twycross Zoo.
Furthermore, “Although animals are best conserved in the wild, and it’s unlikely that any reintroduction will take place for several more years, captive-bred cubs such as these could help save the Amur Leopard from disappearing forever.”