Spotted: Two New Arrivals in Asian Highlands
Critically endangered Amur leopard gives birth to two healthy cubs
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is excited to announce the birth of two Amur leopard cubs, born to mom Zeya (13) and dad Dmitri (13). The tiny tails arrived on February 18, 2026, behind the scenes in Asian Highlands, where they remain tucked close to Zeya inside their den.
This marks Zeya and Dmitri’s sixth litter together. An experienced mother, Zeya is demonstrating strong maternal behaviors with her newborns. In their natural habitat, female leopards remain secluded in their den following birth. Our animal care team has been observing Zeya and the cubs through high-definition cameras, noting attentive care and consistent nursing. When Zeya needs some time to stretch her legs, she occasionally steps away from the den before returning to her cubs.
The cubs have been wiggling and wobbling their way toward mom and one another as they begin to navigate their surroundings. Amur leopard cubs are born blind and completely dependent on their mother, relying on sounds, smells, and touch during the first week of their life. Animal care staff have heard soft grunts and early vocalizations inside the den, encouraging signs that the cubs are adjusting.
Zeya and her cubs will not be visible to guests, as they bond in their private den behind the scenes. Guests may see the cubs this summer.
Zeya and Dmitri are a breeding pair recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Amur leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP), a collaborative program that helps ensure the long-term genetic health and sustainability of Amur leopards. With fewer than 130 Amur leopards remaining in their natural habitat, every birth plays a meaningful role in safeguarding the future of the species. The arrival of these two cubs represents an important contribution to that collective effort.
Amur leopard conservation
Amur leopards are critically endangered, the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) highest risk category, before a species becomes extinct in the wild. Amur leopards are among the rarest cats in the world and live in the temperate forests of Russia and China. These nocturnal, solitary cats face ongoing threats from habitat loss, prey scarcity, low genetic diversity, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade. Leopards are the second-most traded wildcat in the world, despite international trade in them being prohibited under CITES, the international wildlife trade agreement.
Though relatively small, Amur leopards can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour and are powerful, silent hunters capable of taking down prey three times their size. As top predators, they play a critical role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. Guests can support the conservation of forest wildlife, like the Amur leopard, by choosing wood and paper products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which promotes sustainable practices and protects vital habitats worldwide.
Animal wellbeing
Protecting animals in the wild starts with the wellbeing of the animals under our care. Providing exceptional care throughout every stage of pregnancy and birth is one of the many ways we work to achieve our vision of prioritizing animal wellbeing in everything we do.
FAQs: Amur leopard cubs
Amur leopard Zeya and her cubs are in her private den area where they’ll stay behind the scenes for a few months to help the cubs adapt safely and comfortably to their new environment. Guests may see the cubs this summer.
We have not been able to confirm genders yet. Identifying gender in big cats can be tricky, and it will likely be a while before we are able to determine the gender of Zeya’s cubs.
Hogle Zoo’s resident male Amur leopard Dmitri is the father. This is Zeya and Dmitri’s sixth litter together!
Stay tuned for name announcements!
The cubs would stay with Zeya behind the scenes for a few months to help them adapt safely and comfortably to their new environment. Mom and cubs would then remain together for the foreseeable future, or until any behavioral changes or breeding recommendations occur.
Follow us @HogleZoo for more Zoo Stories
Utah's Hogle Zoo 