The duo, born in May, are honing their climbing skills before they are released into the main reserve
Amur leopard cubs at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Two adorable Amur leopard cubs at Yorkshire Wildlife Park are making baby steps towards their much-anticipated public debut. Born in May, the pair have been introduced to the second level of the junior training reserves where they’re perfecting their climbing abilities.
They are the second and third Amur leopards born in the world this year, signifying a significant moment in the fight to prevent the most endangered big cat species from becoming extinct. Senior carnivore ranger Kate Borrington said: “The leopard cubs have been sheltering in their den for the first two months. Now that they have received their vaccinations, they are able to explore outside.
“There are lots of small platforms and trees which they have been getting used to climbing, before they can be released into the main reserve at Leopard Heights where the platforms are a lot higher. The female cub is very confident and sassy like her mother, Kristen.
“The male cub is a little more reserved, but both have settled in nicely and are enjoying exploring outside. Kristen has previous experience being a mother, after welcoming Auckley in June 2023. She definitely has her work cut out with these two new playful cubs, but she is doing an excellent job. It is fascinating to watch them develop and we can’t wait to see them out in the main reserve.”
Leopard Heights, designed as a purpose built breeding and reintroduction facility with 10m climbing towers, won the 2013 BIAZA Award for Significant Advances in Husbandry and Welfare. The leopards’ next steps comes just before the park’s Night Out At The Zoo event, on Saturday (August 16). Visitors will get the rare chance to explore the park after hours.
They can expect to see roaming animal-themed entertainment including giraffe and zebra stilt walkers, costumed characters and even an orangutan taking a ride in a rickshaw! Bongo Warriors, an acrobatic group from Tanzania, a dance and fire show at the Amphitheatre, and a new soundtrack at the Jungle Boogie show will also entertain guests during the extended hours at the park, with performances running from 4pm until 8pm.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park CEO, John Minion, said: “Night Out at the Zoo is a fantastic opportunity for guests to explore and see the park in a completely different light and atmosphere. With the animals at their most active during the cooler, quieter hours and a full programme of entertainment, it is a memorable evening for all ages!
“It is always a popular event and will definitely be more exciting now we have new arrivals at the park. Summer is our busiest period at the park. We are looking forward to welcoming back our family visitors who come every year as well as first time guests. There is something for all ages to enjoy – live music, evening entertainment and new animals to visit.”