2 endangered Amur leopard cubs born at this SC zoo. Here’s how they’re doing

Irina is a mom.

The Amur leopard gave birth to twins in May at the Greenville Zoo, which has had a breeding program for the endangered cats since 2002.

Irina came to the zoo in 2024 and was bred with Basha.

The species is native to the Russian Far East, and has dwindled in number due to poaching for its spotted fur and over hunting for its prey such as roe deer, sika deer and hare, the World Wildlife Fund said.

In fact, there are more Amur leopards in captivity than in the wild — 200 in zoos around the world and about 100 in the wild.

Bill Cooper, Greenville Zoo director said the cubs were born May 17 and are healthy and eating well.

“From our observation Irina is a good mom and taking care of them,” he said.

They are in a climate controlled den and will not be handled by humans until they are six weeks old.

“In about five weeks our veterinary staff will be able to separate them from mom and check their teeth and eyes and determine their genders,” he said.

The Greenville Zoo, which is part of the Species Survival Plan with other accredited zoos and conservation groups, received its first Amur leopard Katya, who did not produce offsprings in the two years she was at the zoo.

Then came Anya and Galax. No cubs.

Three sisters—Jade, Clover, and Emerald — were sent to Greenville in 2011. Clover and Emerald were relocated, but Jade was paired with Nelkan in 2016. They had two litters — 2017 and 2020.

Their offspring have since produced cubs in other zoos.

Nelkan was sent to Philadelphia on a breeding loan and Jade was transferred to North Dakota.

“The birth of twin cubs is a significant achievement — not only because Irina is a first‑time mother, but also because every genetically valuable Amur leopard birth supports the global initiative to rebuild the species’ population,” the zoo said in a news release.

“In the weeks to come, keepers will monitor the cubs’ growth and development closely, watching for milestones such as opening their eyes, beginning to walk, and interacting with their environment. The zoo will determine public debut timing based on Irina’s comfort and the cubs’ readiness,” Cooper said.