After finding Freddo a mate in August 2024, the long-awaited introduction has happened
With less than 100 left in the wild, Amur Leopards are considered the rarest cat in the world. Dartmoor Zoo are proud to house two, Freddo, who arrived from Bellewaerde in Belgium in November 2023 and Lena, from Colchester Zoo in August 2024.
Dartmoor Zoo’s Animal Manager Madeleine Millin commented: “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.
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.
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. 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!”
After months of preparation including fence line encounters and habitat swaps, the introduction took place on Tuesday 29th April, sectioned off from the rest of the Zoo to provide Freddo and Lena with some privacy whilst they adjusted to each other’s company. International Leopard Day takes place globally, every 3rd May, so we’re pleased to be able to not only celebrate the successful introduction of our breeding pair, but also to raise awareness about this beautiful species on a day dedicated to them.
The keeper team remained close by to witness first interactions and after initial welfare checks, both Lena and Freddo appear to be adjusting to each other well, regularly sitting in close proximity to each other, amongst many positive submissive behaviours and interactions. Regular checks will be conducted, and barriers may remain in place initially, so we please ask for guest cooperation during these early stages.
Predominantly found in the border areas between Russia, North-East China and even North Korea, Amur Leopards gravitate towards densely forested areas, avoiding grasslands or overpopulated areas. Much of this area, however, is regularly under threat from unsustainable logging, forest fires, agriculture and industrial development.
Dartmoor Zoo’s CEO David Gibson commented: “Physically introducing Freddo and Lena our two Amur Leopards is the culmination of over 3 years work for the team here at Dartmoor Zoo. It is a part of our ongoing work supporting the conservation breeding of highly endangered species.
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 the world’s rarest Big Cat with fewer than 100 of them thought to be left in the wild. Without the conservation efforts of zoos around the globe this iconic species would be functionally extinct. In addition to being part of the global conservation breeding effort we also support in-situ conservation projects through financial contributions to the Wildcats Conservation Alliance.”
WildCats Conservation Alliance is an initiative of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation (DWF), calling for zoos and public alike to support wild tiger and Amur leopard conservation projects. Running since 2000, WildCats Conservation Alliance have mobilised over £4.8 million to support an incredible 103 monitoring, protection, conflict resolution, firefighting and awareness-raising projects.
Esther Conway, Project Manager at WildCats Conservation Alliance commented: “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.”
Should you wish to donate towards Dartmoor Zoo’s conservation efforts, you can Gift a Donation here: https://dartmoorzoo.digitickets.co.uk/category/61052?navItem=792702
To find out more about Dartmoor Zoo visit www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk.
Main photo – Madeleine Millin, Animal Manager and Leopard close-ups – Kira Butters, Content Creator.