Dartmoor Zoo welcomes new Amur Leopard

Dartmoor Zoo is preparing to welcome a new resident, Lena, a critically endangered Amur Leopard from Colchester Zoo. 

The arrival, expected in August, marks an important step in the zoo's conservation efforts, as Lena has been chosen as a potential breeding partner for the zoo's resident male leopard, Freddo.

Lena, who is nearly five years old, will be housed in an off-show habitat initially to allow her time to adjust to her new surroundings. 

The zoo's team will closely monitor her welfare and interactions with Freddo before planning a future introduction between the two leopards.

The arrival of Lena follows Dartmoor Zoo's recent success with the introduction of lynx, which resulted in the birth of two kits in May. 

The zoo hopes that a similar success can be achieved with the Amur leopards, contributing to the conservation of a species with only about 100 individuals left in the wild.

Dartmoor Zoo’s CEO David Gibson commented:

“The arrival of a female Amur Leopard, to hopefully breed with our resident male Freddo, is the latest in our continued development of the animal collection here at Dartmoor Zoo. One of the many essential roles that modern zoos perform is the Conservation Breeding of Critically Endangered species such as Amur Leopards. We are delighted to be able to play our part in the continued conservation of this iconic and charismatic species.”

As the zoo moves forward with this new addition, the team remains focused on ensuring the well-being of both leopards, with the hope that this pairing could eventually lead to the birth of Amur Leopard cubs at Dartmoor Zoo.