A critically endangered Amur leopard mother recently brought a new baby into the world
Being the world’s most threatened big cats, this birth gave conservationists a cause for celebration.
Authorities at Santa Barbara zoo have been attempting to raise these leopards for a very long time in the name of conservation.
The mother named Ajax gave birth to her first child and the birth is a huge win!
The cub, named Marta, weighed a mere 1.1 lbs at birth. “Based on video monitoring, the cub appeared strong and active after birth,” said Dr Barnes, VP of the zoo.
“Ajax seems to be settling into motherhood well and is exhibiting good maternal behavior so far.”
There were concerns as Marta didn’t begin nursing during her initial 12 hours of life, but zoo authorities have since confirmed things are working out positivley.
Marta was seen as “extraordinary news” for the ‘Amur leopard Species Survival Plan.’
There are less than 100 Amur leopards living in the wild, and 200 under human consideration.
The cub and its mother will stay in the background while they fortify their bond, after which “will be in revolution with Kasha, the dad, in investing energy at their show territory,” the zoo said in its Facebook post.
“Since Ajax is the most hereditarily important female Amur leopard in North America However, this first fledgling will contribute significant hereditary qualities to the populace.”