AMUR LEOPARDS
Back To The Wild Project
With approximately 100 remaining in the wild, the rarest big cat on Earth has the chance to be brought back from the brink of extinction!
The remaining population of Amur Leopards is dwindling and occurs in such a small geographical area, that they are at a significant risk of extinction! With the continuing threats, one outbreak or natural disaster could spell the end for Amur Leopards.
Amur Leopards are found in Far Eastern Russia and North Eastern China. They are an apex predator and love to eat deer and badgers. Of all the leopard subspecies, the Amur Leopards has the most beautiful coat with large black rosettes with thick unbroken borders. They have no known predator other than Man, which made their population dwindled in the 1980’s to just 30 individuals and it stayed this way for decades! Thankfully through recent positive human intervention their numbers are growing. But they still desperately need our help due to genetic degeneration associated with inbreeding over several generations.
REINTRODUCTION TO THE WILD
As part of a major push to reverse the damage done to the dwindling population, specially selected European zoos are working together through coordinated breeding efforts to maintain and increase a healthy population of the Amur Leopard. Captive-bred Amur Leopards will be the founders of future generations who are eligible for reintroduction to the wild.
By introducing a genetically viable population at different locations, this would make the Amur Leopard more resilient to extinction. This is why, along with other conservation initiatives, the reintroduction of captive-bred animals is so important for the survival of the Amur Leopard and could be the key to bringing this species back from the edge.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park has been given the opportunity to be an integral part of the reintroduction of this critically endangered species.
This enclosure will be built with one thing in mind – to create the best possible natural environment for which the Amur Leopard can call its home. It will become an integral part of the breeding and ultimately, release program.
All of the money donated will be used for this project.
We will be able to pay for:
➯ The materials needed to build the enclosure
➯ The machinery hire needed to develop this site
MEET OUR MAJESTIC LEOPARDS
Anik & Kazimir, two playful and inquisitive brothers, came to our wildlife park from Marwell Zoo in Winchester. From a young age, they have been full of energy—always interacting with each other and their surroundings. Anik, the more dominant of the pair, loves to take charge, while Kazimir is just as curious and confident. They both enjoy playing with enrichment toys provided by their keepers and are most active in the mornings. After a hearty meal, you’ll often find them lounging high up on a platform, either surveying their kingdom or taking a well-earned nap.
LUNA'S NEW BEGINNING
Luna, our beautiful female Amur Leopard, arrived on 31st July 2024 from Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens. Though she’s only been here a short while, she’s already stolen the hearts of our staff and visitors alike! As she settles into her new home, she’s beginning to show her true personality—a sassy, sneaky, and playful girl with plenty of attitude.
Anik will soon be moving next to Luna once his enclosure is complete, and if all goes well, we could be welcoming baby leopards in the near future!
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
This project alone won’t save this species. However with the combined effort along side other carefully selected European Zoos participating in this breeding program, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is fully committed to playing a part in the preservation of this critically endangered cat.
Join us on our journey to get the rarest big cat on Earth back to the wild.
The Amur Leopard.
Be part of the story from the beginning.