World's Rarest Big Cat, the Amur Leopard, Gives Birth to Two Cubs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
First-time mom Mina and her cubs mark a major milestone for the Zoo's conservation efforts​
 

Brookfield, IL—Two Amur leopard cubs were born at Brookfield Zoo Chicago on July 14, 2025, marking a rare and important addition to the species’ global population, which is believed to be less than 100 animals total in the wild. The births come as the first litter for six-year-old female and new mom Mina but also a significant milestone in the Zoo's ongoing efforts to help save one of the world’s most endangered big cats from extinction. 

Both cubs and Mina appear healthy from early observations and have been nursing consistently to support their developmental milestones. They remain under the watchful eye of mom Mina and Zoo experts in a private habitat at the Zoo. 

“This birth is a hopeful step for the future of Amur leopards,” said Mark Wanner, associate vice president of animal care and conservation. “While the exact number of Amur leopards remaining in the wild is unknown, we do know the species has been in steady decline. Each birth represents a critical opportunity to help ensure this extraordinary animal doesn’t disappear forever.” 

The cubs’ father, Sasha, was born at Brookfield Zoo Chicago in 2020. Mina arrived from Rosamond Gifford Zoo in October 2021 as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan, which works to maintain healthy and genetically diverse populations of threatened and endangered species in accredited facilities. Their births contribute to the nearly 70 Amur leopards in professional care as accredited zoos, like Brookfield Zoo Chicago, seek opportunities to bolster their populations before it's too late. 

Unlike their African cousins, Amur leopards thrive in cold temperatures. Native to the forests of eastern Russia, their ultra-thick coats and long tails help them stay warm in winter, making Chicago feel a lot like home. But these beautiful felines are facing major threats in the wild including habitat loss, poaching and forest fires. With so few of this critically endangered species left worldwide, births like these are essential for conservation efforts.  

In the wild, Amur leopard mothers typically keep their cubs safely tucked away in secluded dens during their early weeks of life. Mina has shown similar instincts, caring for her newborns away from public view. Animal care staff are monitoring the family closely and will allow public viewing only once the cubs are strong, confident and ready to explore, just as they would in their natural habitat. In the meantime, guests and supporters can contribute to the ongoing care of Mina and her cubs through the Zoo’s Adopt an Animal program and Wildlife Conservation Fund. Donations help support critical conservation work at Brookfield Zoo Chicago and beyond. 

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Media Note: B-roll and photos are available for download here, with credit to “© Brookfield Zoo Chicago” for media use only. Journalists interested in capturing content and interviews should contact Zoo PR Director Julianne Olivo in advance at julianne.olivo@brookfieldzoo.org or 708-688-8351.
 

About Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Connect. Care. Conserve. 

Since 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has been a global leader in animal well-being and conservation, inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Zoo is a private nonprofit organization that operates on 235 acres of land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species—including many of Earth’s most endangered. Brookfield Zoo Chicago was the first zoo in the world to be Humane Certified™ by the American Humane Society for the care and welfare of its animals, and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and ArbNet. For more information, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org or follow @BrookfieldZoo on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.