Endangered Leopard Cub Brings Ray Of Sunshine To Turtle Back Zoo

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County is closed to visitors as the state and nation continue to struggle with the new coronavirus. But life goes on for the animals, including the zoo’s newest resident: Nadya the leopard.

On Friday, county officials announced the birth of Nadya, a female Amur leopard cub, who emerged into the world earlier this month.

It’s a big deal, especially considering the fact that the Amur leopard species is classified as critically endangered. There are an estimated 84 Amur leopards remaining in their native habitat, zoo staff said.

According to Essex County officials:

“Nadya, whose name means ‘filled with hope’ in Russian, is the first cub born for her parents, mother Annika and father Valeri. She was 540 grams and 9 inches long, with a 5-inch tail at birth and is expected to grow to be 55 and 90 pounds and 3 to 6 feet long, with a 2- to 3-foot tail.”

The birth was carefully coordinated, officials said:

“Mom Annika had been under baby watch for months. Cameras in her den monitored the cub closely after birth. When Annika did not nurse the newborn cub, it was decided by veterinarian staff and management at Turtle Back Zoo, in consultation with the Species Survival Plan coordinator, to begin hand rearing. Nadya and Annika are both healthy and doing well. Nadya will remain off exhibit for the time being as she receives around the clock care by the dedicated animal care staff at Turtle Back Zoo.”

Annika and Valeri were a Species Survival Plan-recommended pair. This is both of their first litter of cubs, officials said.

“During these difficult times, it’s nice to share some good news,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“Nadya’s birth demonstrates the important role zoos have in helping to strengthen the population of endangered animals around the world and raising the awareness about conservation and the importance of animals,” DiVincenzo continued. “I commend our Turtle Back staff for the care and attention they are giving Nadya.”

• See related article: Cheetahs At Turtle Back Zoo In NJ Are Thriving, Staff Say

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