Potawatomi Zoo Welcomes Rare Amur Leopard Cub

The cub is currently being bottle-fed by staff, with a public debut expected at the zoo this coming spring.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Wildlife

Gouache-painted illustration of a small, spotted leopard cub resting on a soft fabric surface, evoking professional wildlife care. — The Potawatomi Zoo is providing bottle feedings to a rare male Amur leopard cub after the newborn was neglected by its mother. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Potawatomi Zoo has welcomed a rare male Amur leopard cub, marking a significant addition to the global population of this critically endangered big cat. Zoo staff have intervened to provide bottle feedings for the cub after the mother neglected her maternal duties.

Why it matters

Amur leopards are critically endangered with a very limited global presence, making every birth essential for the long-term survival of the species. The intervention by the zoo ensures the health of the cub, which was at risk due to a dangerous drop in body temperature.

Following this birth, the captive population has increased to 201 individuals, while only 100 Amur leopards remain in the wild. The mating was facilitated through the Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan.

The players

Potawatomi Zoo

A South Bend wildlife facility currently managing the rare breeding and care of an Amur leopard cub.

Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan

An organized conservation program that manages the population and breeding recommendations for this critically endangered species.

The details

Zoo staff retrieved the male cub from its yard after the mother, Anastasia, failed to care for the newborn. The cub suffered from a dangerous drop in body temperature before personnel intervened to provide life-saving bottle feedings. This hands-on care is being utilized to ensure the kitten overcomes the initial lack of maternal rearing.

October 2026: Announcement of the Amur leopard cub birth
Spring 2027: Planned public debut of the cub

The Home Front

This birth aligns with global conservation efforts overseen by the Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan to boost the genetic health of the species. It remains one of the few managed programs tasked with preventing the extinction of these cats, which currently have a wild population of just 100.

South Bend residents and families can look forward to viewing the cub when the zoo opens its public exhibit in the spring of 2027. Keep an eye on local zoo announcements for specific date updates before your visit next year.

The takeaway

This birth is a vital milestone for a species with only about 100 individuals remaining in the wild. Residents can track the progress of the cub and the planned spring 2027 public debut through the official channels of the Potawatomi Zoo.