Critically endangered amur leopards born at Colchester Zoo

The amur leopards were born at the north Essex zoo during the early hours of November 24. 

The zoo have said that it may be a while before the pair start emerging from their den but once mum, Esra, is comfortable they are big enough, they will start to explore their new surroundings. 

The animal care team have been monitoring the cubs closely but added that Esra, who is an experienced mum, has already been seen to be very gentle with both cubs.

The cubs and mum inside the den at Colchester Zoo (Image: Colchester Zoo)

Staff have said the breeding programmes for critically endangered animals like amur leopards is crucial, as their populations are rapidly declining in the wild with it estimated that there are only 70 of them left in the wild. 

They are threatened by a number of factors including being hunted for their fur and use in traditional Chinese medicines; their habitat being destroyed causing depletion of their prey; their small population also puts them at risk from catastrophes such as fire, disease and inbreeding.

Emma Rasey, carnivore team leader, said: "Esra is a fantastic mum and has only been seen coming out of the cubbing den to get food as expected. Each time she leaves, she is straight back inside to both cubs.

"We can already see that one of the cubs is more boisterous than the other, but both are doing really well along with mum, Esra.

"It is great to see her on the CCTV carrying out an amazing job as mum.

"The team here at Colchester Zoo are so proud of Esra and Crispin.”

In October the zoo welcomed the arrival of a new baby squirrel monkey. 

Although the animal has not yet been named staff have said visitors will be able to see the baby with its mum, Milo.