SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Potawatomi Zoo residents Pearl, 13, and Sergei, 17, are new parents to three extremely rare Amur Leopard cubs born at the Zoo on March 20. Mom and the cubs are doing great.

Amur Leopards, the world’s rarest big cat, are considered a critically endangered species with only approximately 70 remaining in the wild and just over 100 in Zoos. High death rates in the wild are due to poaching and loss of habitat. Efforts at breeding Amur leopards in captivity have been marginally successful at best with no births in Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facilities last year.

Potawatomi Zoo’s three cubs are the only surviving Amur leopard cubs in North American zoos so far this year. This puts Potawatomi Zoo on the conservation field map in terms of the Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP) program’s breeding efforts.

To add to the excitement of this landmark birth, the cubs received their first veterinary check up on May 14 and were given a clean bill of health by Zoo Staff Veterinarian Dr. Ronan Eustace who also administered their first round of vaccinations.

“Over the last few years there have been few to no Amur Leopard births in North American zoos. For Potawatomi Zoo to have three of these very rare cubs born right here in South Bend is a great achievement,” said General Curator Josh Sisk. Potawatomi Zoo Executive

Director Marcy Dean added, “The fact that we have the only three in the country is fantastic for both our Zoo and the population overall. This puts Potawatomi Zoo on the map both locally and globally. We are thrilled to contribute in such a meaningful way to the survival of this critically endangered species.”

The Potawatomi Zoo, a participant in the AZA’s SSP program for Amur leopards, is actively engaging in breeding genetically healthy Amur leopards to help populate this critically endangered species.  Amur Leopards are only found in Far Eastern Russia and Northeast China.

The Amur leopard cubs will not be available for public viewing for another month or two, due to both age and size. The Zoo has also put together a marketing package featuring photos and videos of both mom and the cubs for media.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Potawatomi Zoo exceeds the standards for Zoos in animal care and quality of life, conservation and education programs. The Zoo officially opened for the season on April 3rd. For more information, go to the www.potawatomizoo.org or call (574) 288-4639.