Potawatomi Zoo Welcomes Rare Amur Leopard Cub

Zoo staff are hand-rearing the male cub after he was ignored by his mother shortly after birth.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Wildlife

Gouache-painted illustration of a single young Amur leopard cub, capturing the rare and delicate nature of the conservation effort. — Potawatomi Zoo staff are hand-rearing a rare Amur leopard cub after his birth to parents Anastasia and Mango in South Bend. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Potawatomi Zoo has announced the birth of a male Amur leopard cub born to parents Anastasia and Mango. Staff intervened to bottle-feed the kitten after his mother neglected him, causing his body temperature to drop.

Why it matters

The birth is a significant milestone for the Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan, which recommended the mating to bolster the vulnerable population. With so few remaining, every individual is critical to the survival of the species.

There are approximately 100 Amur leopards remaining in the wild. This birth increases the managed zoo population to 201 individuals.

The players

Potawatomi Zoo

Located in South Bend, this facility participates in global conservation efforts to protect endangered species.

Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan

This conservation organization manages the breeding and genetic diversity of the Amur leopard population in human care.

The details

Zoo staff retrieved the cub from the habitat after observing that Anastasia was not caring for him. The team is now bottle-feeding the cub to ensure he maintains a healthy body temperature and receives proper nutrition.

The birth was officially announced in October 2026.
The public is expected to see the cub for the first time in the spring of 2027.

Culture Shift

This birth marks an essential contribution to the Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan, which coordinates breeding to prevent extinction. It highlights the increasingly vital role zoos play as a final safeguard against the loss of species currently totaling only 100 in the wild.

Residents in the South Bend area can look forward to seeing the new cub on exhibit when he makes his public debut in the spring. Until then, the zoo continues its specialized care routine to ensure the survival of this rare animal.

The takeaway

Zoos provide a necessary safety net for species that are critically endangered in their natural habitats. Conservationists prioritize genetic diversity through managed breeding programs to maximize the chance of long-term species recovery.