Big News: Amur Leopard Cubs Born at the Greenville Zoo
The birth of two healthy Amur leopard cubs to first‑time mother Irina and father Basha marked a significant milestone in the Greenville Zoo’s commitment to saving the world’s most endangered big cats.
The leopards were born on May 17. “The cubs are healthy and eating well. From our observation Irina is a good mom and taking care of them,” said zoo director Bill Cooper. The cubs are with Irina in a climate-controlled den and will not be handled by humans until they are six weeks old. “This is a best practice,” Cooper said. “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.”
Amur leopards are critically endangered, with fewer than 150 remaining in the wild. For more than two decades, the Greenville Zoo has played a vital role in the Species Survival Plan (SSP), working alongside other accredited zoos and conservation partners to strengthen the genetic diversity and future viability of this rare species.
The Greenville Zoo’s involvement with Amur leopard conservation began in 2002 and has included multiple breeding pairs, facility expansions, and international collaborations. “With the arrival of Irina and Basha in 2024, the zoo’s animal care team immediately began building a strong foundation through training, enrichment, and veterinary preparation — including teaching Irina to voluntarily participate in ultrasound exams.
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 arrival of these cubs continues a positive trend for the Greenville Zoo, which previously celebrated successful litters in 2017 and 2020. Many of those offspring have since moved to other institutions where they themselves have produced cubs, amplifying the zoo’s conservation impact.
“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 added.
Greenville Zoo Amur Leopard Program
2002: Program Launch
Arrival: Katya, a solitary female Amur leopard, is welcomed to the zoo.
Outcome: No cubs produced; Katya departs in 2004.
2004–2011: Early Pairings
New Residents: Anya (female) replaces Katya; joined by Galax (male).
Outcome: Despite pairing, no cubs are born.
2011: Expansion with Leopard Sisters
Arrival: Three sisters—Jade, Clover, and Emerald.
Transition: Clover and Emerald are relocated; Jade remains.
2016: New Genetic Partnership
Pairing: Jade is paired with Nelkan, a genetically valuable male imported from Germany via the Wildcat Conservation Alliance.
Outcome: This pairing marks the beginning of successful breeding.
2017: First Cubs Born
Parents: Jade and Nelkan
Cubs: One male and one female
Legacy: Cubs move to Memphis and Syracuse, where they later produce cubs themselves.
2020: Second Litter
Parents: Jade and Nelkan
Cubs: Jasper and Anastasia
Outcome: Jasper and Anastasia are relocated to other accredited institutions for breeding and genetic diversity.
2021: Facility Expansion & Sponsorship
Development: Second den and exhibit yard added.
Sponsors: Supported by a grant from Greenville Women Giving and Grover and Tonya Martin.
Purpose: To enhance breeding efforts and support ongoing conservation.
2022–2023: SSP Guidance & Transfers
Nelkan: Sent to Philadelphia on a breeding loan.
Jade: Transferred to North Dakota.
2024: New Hope with Young Pair
Arrival: Irina and Basha, a youthful pair.
Preparation: Staff train leopards in medical behaviors, including ultrasound procedures.
2026: Latest Milestone
Pregnancy: Confirmed via ultrasound.
Birth: On May 17, 2026, Irina gives birth to two healthy cubs.
Significance: Marks Irina’s first-time motherhood and a new chapter for the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Sponsors & Supporters
Greenville Women Giving: Provided a grant for facility expansion in 2021.
Grover and Tonya Martin: Contributed to the new den and exhibit yard.
Sat, May 30, 2026, 1:00 p.m. EDT by the Greenville Zoo.
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