Pittsburgh Zoo announces birth of endangered Amur leopard cubs
The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium on Thursday, April 27, officially announced the birth of two Amur leopard cubs in March.
Considered one of the rarest subspecies of cats, Amur leopards have been classified as critically endangered for years, with only an estimated 100 still living in the wild. according to the Pittsburgh Zoo’s website.
The cubs have been thriving under the care of their mother, Semba, in their habitat at the zoo.
“Semba was born at the Pittsburgh Zoo herself, and we’re so glad to see the next generation join us. She’s such a good mom,” said Karen Vacco, assistant curator of mammals at the zoo. “Aside from digital monitoring of the denning area, we’re letting them bond. They’re doing well. The babies are nursing and growing just like they should.”
The zoo announced the cubs will be kept from public view until at least mid-June, when they are scheduled to receive their second round of vaccinations.
An exact date when the cubs will be available for viewing could not be provided at this time.
The public is invited to submit baby names at pittsburghzoo.org. Name suggestions will be taken for a $5 donation, as the zoo had great success with the naming competition of the Western lowland gorilla, Charlotte, born in February. The public donated nearly $5,000 to help choose her name.
