Utah’s Hogle Zoo introduces two amur leopard cubs
Apr 22, 2022, 10:28 AM | Updated: Jun 19, 2024, 1:44 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — The Hogle Zoo is introducing its two newest members, Jordan and Chelsea, endangered leopard cubs. The two were born at the zoo on Christmas Day, 2021 by their mother, Zeya who is about 10 years old.
According to a release from the zoo, the cubs may stay with their mother for up to two years before becoming fully independent.
Melanie Kuse, Asian Highlands Animal Care Supervisor said “we are excited to introduce these special cubs to the public. These cubs have proven to be more independent than other cubs we have had in the past – they started walking and eating meat sooner than some of our other cubs, and Zeya continues to be an attentive and excellent mother.”
The release states, “Utah’s Hogle Zoo conducted a naming rights auction to raise funds for the care of the cubs. The average cost for feeding just ONE Amur leopard for a year is approximately $3,000. The auction was made available to Zoo Explorer Society members and previous Zoo Rendezvous donors. Case Construction and Roofing won the auction and named the cubs after Cortney Case’s children, son, Jordan, and daughter, Chelsea. Donations provide critical support to the zoo, allowing us to provide top-quality care to all of the magnificent animals that call Utah’s Hogle Zoo their home.”
The parent leopards, mother (Zeya) and father (Dmitri) came to the zoo on a breeding program and have had four successful litters of Amur leopard cubs.
The zoo said mother and cubs are both doing well. The cubs have received medical exams to make sure they are healthy and strong and to administer vaccines and identification microchips.
“The cubs have been appropriately feisty for their exams and fortunately they appear very healthy and to be growing well” said Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Director of Animal Care, Dr. Erika Crook.
The zoo will have the cubs visible to guests by late April 2022 as part of their Asian Highlands exhibit.