New leopard comes to stay at the Potawatomi zoo, where her mother was born years ago
SOUTH BEND — The newest arrival at the Potawatomi Zoo has no clue that she’s now living at the birthplace of her mother and the longtime home of her recently-deceased grandmother.
Now, it’s just a matter of time before the zoo finds out whether Anastasia, a 2-year-old Amur leopard, will become part of the conservation plan to bring the critically endangered species back from the brink of extinction.
For now, the zoo is just happy to have a young leopard to fill the habitat that was occupied since 2003 by her grandmother Pearl, who became a bit of a rock star in the Species Survival Plan by raising nine cubs with two different fathers during her time at the zoo.
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Victims of poaching, loss of habitat and population fragmentation, Amur leopards are among the most endangered of the big cat species with only about 100 in far eastern Russia and 100 in zoos around the world, said Josh Sisk, executive director of the Potawatomi Zoo.
Zoo officials made the difficult decision in March to euthanize Pearl, who suffered from age-related health issues. But one of her cubs ― Jade ― ended up at the Greenville Zoo in South Carolina, where she has continued her mother’s lead by giving birth to two litters, one of whom is Anastasia.
“Each one is precious and critical to understanding this species and, hopefully, someday, bringing them back from the brink of extinction,” Sisk said.
Amur leopards are solitary by nature and can weigh up to 100 pounds. Unlike African leopards, Amurs are adapted to temperate forests, cold climates, and mountainous areas.
Anastasia will have indoor and outdoor access as she gets used to her new home, but the public should be able to see her when she chooses to be outside.
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And if the zoo is fortunate, Anastasia could eventually be paired with a mate, as long as one is found that would offer the needed genetic diversity.
“Over the years, we’ve been proud to be part of the Amur leopard Species Survival Plan, and we’re so glad to start a new chapter with Anastasia,” Sisk said. “I’m excited that people have this opportunity to get to know her and further appreciate this incredible species.”
Besides the new leopard, the zoo gained four young male giraffes late last year. The zoo still hopes to pick up a new primate species and lions sometime this year. And a new black bear exhibit and concession lodge is scheduled to open sometime next year.
When it comes to babies, the zoo already has welcomed a Sichuan takin, a Chicoan peccary, a three-banded Armadillo, a Linne's two-toed sloth and flamingo chicks.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend welcomes highly-endangered Amur leopard
