When you can visit these two adorable Leopard cubs born just an hour's drive from Leeds
There’s a serious cuteness alert as two baby Leopard cubs take their first steps outside - just an hour’s drive from Leeds.
The Amur leopard cubs at Yorkshire Wildlife Park are taking their next baby steps towards making their future public debut. The duo, born in May, have been released into the second level of the junior training reserves where they are honing their climbing skills.
They are the second and third Amur leopards to be born in the world this year, marking a remarkable step forward in the battle to save the most endangered big cat in the world from extinction.
Senior Carnivore Ranger, Kate Borrington, revealed: “The leopard cubs have been sheltering in their den for the first 2 months. Now that they have received their vaccinations, they are able to explore outside.
“There are lots of small platforms and trees which they have been getting used to climbing, before they can be released into the main reserve at Leopard Heights where the platforms are a lot higher.
“The female cub is very confident and sassy like her mother, Kristen. The male cub is a little more reserved, but both have settled in nicely and are enjoying exploring outside. Kristen has previous experience being a mother, after welcoming Auckley in June 2023. She definitely has her work cut out with these two new playful cubs, but she is doing an excellent job.
“It is fascinating to watch them develop and we can’t wait to see them out in the main reserve.”
Leopard Heights, designed as a purpose built breeding and reintroduction facility with 10m climbing towers, won the 2013 BIAZA Award for Significant Advances in Husbandry and Welfare. The leopards' next steps comes just before YWP’s Night Out at the Zoo, on Saturday August 16. Visitors will get the rare chance to explore the park after hours. They can expect to see roaming animal-themed entertainment including giraffe and zebra stilt walkers, costumed characters and even an Orangutang taking a ride in a cycle rickshaw.
Bongo Warriors, an acrobatic group from Tanzania, a dance and fire show at the Amphitheatre and a new soundtrack at the Jungle Boogie show will also entertain the guests during the extended hours at the park, with performances running from 4-8pm.
The acts appearing at intervals, ensuring there is something exciting to see throughout the evening. Park CEO, John Minion, said: “Night Out at the Zoo is a fantastic opportunity for guests to explore and see the park in a completely different light and atmosphere. With the animals at their most active during the cooler, quieter hours and a full programme of entertainment, it is a memorable evening for all ages.