COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (March 8, 2022) — The Niabi Zoo is pleased and excited to announce the successful birth of two critically-endangered Amur Leopards. With fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild, this is the most critically-endangered big cat in the world. While there are no other reports of captive breeding for this species yet this year, there were only seven animals born in the US for all of 2021.
In 2019, the Niabi Zoo was chosen by the Amur Leopard Species Survival planning-group as a partner, and it was decided that we would receive and house one of several Amur leopards that would be brought in from zoos in Europe to breed with our genetically-valuable male Amur Leopard “Jilin.” After lots of planning, and several COVID related delays, we finally received “Iona” from the Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens in Great Britain on 5 July 2021.
We are honored and excited to have been able to contribute to such an important conservation program for such a critically endangered species. It speaks very well of the regard in which Niabi is held in the international conservation community, and to the expertise of the Niabi Zoo animal care staff”, said Jackson. Both cubs (a male and a female) are thriving. A third cub was also born. but sadly only survived a few days.
Please be sure to check us out on Facebook and on our website for further details.
A full list of reopening guidelines and closures can be found at NiabiZoo.com.
The Zoo will open on April 18. Hours are 10AM–5PM, seven days per week, with last entry at 4PM.
About Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo, which is operated by the Forest Preserve District of Rock Island County, offers an opportunity to explore more than forty acres in Coal Valley, Illinois, that encompass 200 animal species. This exploration guides guests through the discovery of more than 800 animals from around the world. Niabi Zoo strives to instill a sense of care and understanding for wild animals in each and every visitor as they work in the community. For more information about the Zoo, visit NiabiZoo.com.
