It has been reported that staff at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) at Doncaster is in happy mood due to the birth of Amur leopard cubs, which were born about two months ago. As per reports, YWP has not yet shown them to public.

On June 28, the cubs were born to parents Drake and Freya in a reserved area called Leopard Heights, at YWP. The different design of the reserve helped Freya and Drake rear their cubs without interference of the staff.

Leopard Heights is one of the largest Amur leopard reserves in the world. In 2013, it also won BIAZA award for Significant Advances in Animal Husbandry and Welfare. The cubs’ birth at this reserve was also filmed with the help of CCTV cameras.

Amur leopard are also called Russian Far Leopards. It is a critically endangered species and at present, just 70 animals are present in the forests in Far East of Russia and China. The animals have adapted to live in eastern Russia’s sub-zero conditions.

Simon Marsh, YWP animal collection manager said that the staff involved in European breeding program has been making a lot of efforts for protecting Amur leopards’ future. According to Marsh, these three cubs have led to optimism for the conservation program.

According to Marsh, "This is the very essence of what we do at YWP and we are delighted to be part of this crucial campaign. Drake and Freya and all YWP staff are making a huge contribution to saving a species".