The female cub, named Zeya, arrived at the Devon-based park in September. Her name was inspired by the River Zeya, a major tributary of the Amur River, which runs through the natural habitat of her species. This nod to her origins reflects the zoo’s commitment to conservation and raising awareness about this endangered animal.
David Gibson, CEO of Dartmoor Zoo, emphasized the importance of the birth. “There are fewer than 200 Amur leopards in captivity worldwide,” he said. “Knowing that Zeya is healthy and thriving is a cause for real celebration.”
Gibson also praised the mother, Lena, for her attentive care. “Watching how Lena has nurtured and protected this precious cub during the first few weeks of its life has been a privilege,” he said. “It’s been a special experience for all of our staff to witness.”
The zoo is now preparing to introduce both mother and cub to visitors, so guests can share in the joy of this rare event. Staff hope that seeing Zeya and Lena together will help inspire interest in conservation efforts for the critically endangered Amur leopard.
“This birth is a major milestone for the zoo and for the species as a whole,” Gibson added. “We look forward to celebrating Zeya’s growth and sharing her story with everyone who comes to visit.”