Vienna, Austria – Schönbrunn Zoo has welcomed a rare new arrival: an Amur leopard cub, born for the first time at the zoo since 2018 following the lifting of a breeding ban by the European Endangered Species Programme.

The little male cub was born in a den at the beginning of November, spending his first weeks well hidden. Zoo Director Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck explained, “The little male leopard was born in a den at the beginning of November. The cub spent its first few weeks well hidden there. Like all big cats, Amur leopards are altricial. The cubs are born blind and must first grow and develop accordingly.” Over time, the cub began peeking out and was eventually carried outside by his mother, now playfully exploring the outdoor enclosure.

Amur leopards are among the rarest mammals on Earth, inhabiting only two to three percent of their original range. Most wild individuals are found in Leopardovy National Park in eastern Russia, with a few in northeastern China. The total population is estimated at only around 120 animals. Habitat destruction from poaching and uncontrolled logging continues to threaten the species.

Curator Rupert Kainradl, MSc, emphasized the cub’s importance: “Together with other zoos, we have been committed to preserving this species since 2016 as part of a European Endangered Species Programme. However, offspring are very rare. Last year, only seven young animals were born in four facilities across the 30 institutions of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria that keep this species. This makes our offspring here at the zoo all the more valuable.”

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