Brookfield Zoo's Amur Leopard Cub Makes His Public Debut
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Brookfield Zoo's 4-month-old Amur leopard cub debuted Wednesday to the public, in his outdoor habitat at Brookfield Zoo's Big Cats area.
Temur was born on July 22, and was kept behind-the-scenes with his mom, Lisa, while staff monitored the cub to ensure he was healthy and meeting crucial developmental milestones. He now weighs 20 pounds.
Temur's parents, Lisa and Kasha arrived at Brookfield Zoo in 2013 as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan. The two were introduced to each out in 2015 and the zoo witnessed breeding in April 2016.
The Amur leopard is a critically endangered species.
"To be able to add to the population of a species so rare in the wild is an incredible opportunity to better understand the animals and educate the public on ways to help protect the species," said Bill Zeigler, senior vice president of animal programs for the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, in a statement. "The birth demonstrates a successful collaboration among institutions, including internationally effective care for this critically endangered species."
One can learn more about the Amur leopards on the Brookfield Zoo website or by visiting Temur and his parents in the Big Cats exhibit, located to the left of the North Entrance and Carousel. The leopards will be in their outdoor habitat, weather permitting.