Say awwww: Two Amur leopard cubs now exploring outdoor habitat at St. Louis Zoo
Two curious, cautious and, yes, adorable Amur leopard cubs are exploring their outdoor habitat at the St. Louis Zoo, and the public can now say “awwww” as they strain for a glimpse.
Anya and Irina, who are 3 months old, were born at the zoo on April 21 — the first born there since 2010. Their species is critically endangered.
They have been learning from their mother, Dot, indoors in a private maternity den at Big Cat Country. Wednesday is their second day outside.
The cubs and their mother, Dot, will continue to have daily access to the habitat, which is in public view; however, there is no set viewing schedule. The leopards are exploring the habitat at their own pace and can choose to go outside or stay in their private den at Big Cat Country. The Zoo is dedicated to caring for animals and providing them with the option of privacy is an important part of their quality care.
“Dot is an excellent mother. It’s exciting to see this first-time mom providing great care to her cubs,” said Steve Bircher, Kevin Beckmann Curator of Carnivores, Saint Louis Zoo. “Everything is new for Anya and Irina as they explore their outdoor habitat. They’re curious, but cautious, about everything from the grass and trees, sunshine, wind and all the sights and sounds of the Zoo. It could take some time before the cubs gain their confidence and Dot feels comfortable letting her cubs explore.”
Anya and Irina now weigh about 15 pounds each. They are eating more meat and nursing a little less and have received their baby vaccinations, according to Bircher.
While the zoo can’t make promises that the cubs will go outside — they can choose where they explore — their keepers say they are willing.
“They’re curious, but cautious, about everything: from the grass and trees, sunshine, wind and all the sights and sounds of the zoo,” Steve Bircher, the Kevin Beckmann Curator of Carnivores said in a statement. “It could take some time before the cubs gain their confidence and Dot feels comfortable letting her cubs explore.”
