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TWINS AMUR LEOPARD CUBS
Two by Zoo “We’re thrilled to help play a part in conserving
the most endangered big cat species on the planet,”
Lisa Amur Leopard has outdone herself. said Anne Scott, lead keeper of large carnivores. “We
Two years ago, she delighted staff and guests hope these two cubs will inspire visitors to connect
with nature and help preserve this majestic species.”
alike when she gave birth to Brookfield Zoo’s first
Amur leopard cub. This spring, she doubled the Animal care staff are currently working to
cuteness factor at Big Cats when she gave birth to ensure the cubs are properly socialized and are
our first-ever twin cubs, Samson and Jilin. comfortable around animal care specialists and
people in general (they do not need to interact with
The cubs, both male, have been on exhibit for staff, but are encouraged not to hide from them as
just a few weeks (they spent the first few months of they approach). This ensures the animals are able
their lives behind the scenes bonding with mom), to receive the highest quality of care and that they
and can often be seen exploring their home while are comfortable in their exhibit. It’s a slow process—
playing together. starting with simple observations, and eventually
moving toward offering the cubs enrichment or
The pair is thriving, both due to care from staff treats if they approach animal care staff.
and from Lisa’s impressive mothering skills. She was
a natural with Temur, the cubs’ older brother, which Temur, who now resides at Central Florida Zoo, is
is one reason why we received a recommendation known for his sociable and confident personality,
to re-breed Lisa with Kasha, the cubs’ father, as part and much of that is credited to his first year of life
of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species at Brookfield Zoo and the fantastic care he received
Survival Plan (SSP) for Amur leopards. here. Our animal care specialists are excited to
continue working with Samson and Jilin and watch
This SSP is of particular importance because them develop from playful, rambunctious cubs into
there are only around 100 of these leopards left in well-adjusted, healthy adults.
the wild, and about 85 living under professional
care. Each new birth makes a big difference for this
critically endangered animal’s population, and a
twin birth is especially exciting.
8 GATEWAYS | NEWS BITES
