2 June 2016
It is one of the world's most endangered species. Therefore, animal lovers worldwide rejoiced at the birth of Olga the Amur leopard two years ago. Now, mother Takara has had cubs again. Three cute and lively kittens. But the siblings are much more than just adorable to look at – they could influence the species' future.
When the staff at Parken Zoo discovered that the Amur leopard Takara was pregnant again, they could barely breathe with anticipation. Louise Nilsberth, zoo educator and biologist, explains:
”The Amur leopard is critically endangered, with an estimated population of around 70 individuals in the wild. Factors such as deforestation and poaching are behind these catastrophic numbers. Furthermore, the effects of inbreeding mean that the cubs that are born often have genetic diseases.”
A litter typically consists of 1-3 individuals. So when three perfectly healthy cubs were found after birth, the staff at Parken Zoo were overjoyed.
”That Takara got three cubs is fantastic in itself. That they were all born without any genetic diseases, as far as we can tell so far, made us extra happy and surprised. It can be said, without exaggeration, that the future of the species has brightened enormously thanks to these three little lives.”
The Amur leopard is part of a European breeding programme run by EAZA**. This means that zoos work together to create as much genetic variation as possible between existing leopard populations. By exchanging leopards with each other, they help to ensure the survival of the species.
Only time will tell what happens to the boisterous litter of siblings. However, as we write, Seja, Igor and Zino are purring safely with their mother Takara in Eskilstuna. They will remain here until the coordinator for the breeding programme has found a suitable home for each of the rare cats.
To send congratulations to the new mother Takara, check out facebook.com/parkenzoo or stop by Parken Zoo and say hello face-to-face instead. We expect to show them off to our visitors this weekend.
For more information, see parkenzoo.se or please contact:
Louise Nilsberth, Research and Education Department, Parken Zoo
Email: louise.nilsberth@parkenzoo.se
Tel: 070-086 28 82
Peter Lundgren, predator keeper
Tel 070-536 69 71
Figures according to the Amur Leopard & Tiger Alliance.
European Association of Zoos and Aquaria.