Amur Leopard pair Freddo and Lena introduced at Dartmoor Zoo

Dartmoor Zoo has successfully introduced its two Amur Leopards, Freddo and Lena, following months of careful planning and preparation. 

The long-awaited introduction took place on 29 April 2025, marking a significant moment in the zoo's conservation efforts for the world’s rarest big cat.

Freddo, who arrived from Bellewaerde Zoo in Belgium in November 2023, was paired with Lena, who joined from Colchester Zoo in August 2024. 

With fewer than 100 Amur Leopards remaining in the wild, this introduction is a crucial step in Dartmoor Zoo’s conservation breeding programme.

In a statement, Dartmoor Zoo’s Animal Manager Madeleine Millin explained the complexities of introducing big cats: “Mixing big cats can be a dangerous business, and not to be rushed. Both cats demonstrated positive behaviours towards one another and over time their relationship remained steady.”

She added: “Our main challenge was working with Lena herself, she is extremely wary of people, and it took a lot of time, effort and patience to build up trust between us. We then had to swap the leopards around to get used to each other’s spaces. Once we were confident it was time to introduce them, we had to make sure that the weather was calm with no strong winds, and we had our safety measures in place.”

The zoo described the first encounter between the pair as positive, though brief. 

“Their first encounter was brief with a little vocalisation and Lena rolling over to submit, resulting in Freddo walking away, which is exactly what we wanted to see,” the zoo said. “They then spent the day watching and sitting near to each other. Overall, it went extremely well, and we are very proud and pleased with their introduction. We are excited for their future and look forward to seeing their relationship blossom. Watch this space!”

Following months of preparation, including fence line encounters and habitat swaps, the introduction was carefully timed and sectioned off from the rest of the zoo to give Freddo and Lena privacy while they adjusted to each other's company. 

This timing also coincided with International Leopard Day, celebrated globally on 3 May, raising awareness about the endangered species.

Dartmoor Zoo’s CEO, David Gibson, commented on the importance of the introduction, saying: “Physically introducing Freddo and Lena, our two Amur Leopards, is the culmination of over three years of work for the team here at Dartmoor Zoo. It is part of our ongoing work supporting the conservation breeding of highly endangered species.”

He continued: “We are very hopeful that, now the pair have been physically introduced, we will be welcoming a litter of cubs in the near future.”

Amur Leopards are officially considered the world’s rarest big cat, with fewer than 100 thought to remain in the wild. 

Dartmoor Zoo stressed that without the conservation efforts of zoos worldwide, the species could face extinction. 

As part of its commitment to global conservation, the zoo also supports in-situ conservation projects through financial contributions to the Wildcats Conservation Alliance.

The Wildcats Conservation Alliance, an initiative of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation (DWF), has raised over £4.8 million to support Amur Leopard and tiger conservation efforts. 

In a statement, Esther Conway, Project Manager at the Wildcats Conservation Alliance, said: “WildCats Conservation Alliance is thrilled to partner with Dartmoor Zoo in this mission to safeguard the Amur leopard in its natural habitat. Together with zoos around the globe, we’re joining forces to channel vital funds into carefully selected conservation projects that are driving real, transformative change for Amur leopards and their entire ecosystem. This united effort is proof that collaboration can make a world of difference.”