Rare Leopard To Debut At Maryland Zoo

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A rare Amur leopard exhibit has arrived at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.

Tracey Leong has the story on the new addition.

With less than 250 Amur leopards in the world, the zoo is hoping that the addition of Sofiya will not only help raise awareness for this endangered animal but also help them contribute to the conservation of the species.

A quick peek for six-year-old Sofiya was enough for the timid Amur leopard.

"Having everyone standing there and looking at her trying to come out can be very scary and intimidating," said Carey Ricciardone, mammal collection manager.

Curious viewers gathered for the animal's debut at the Maryland Zoo, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare beauty.

"Found out about the leopard so came over to see it," said visitor Gregg Cosgrove.

There are less than 40 in the wild and 200 in captivity around the world.

"It's a chance for us to teach everybody about this species because they are very critically endangered," Ricciardone said.

The Amur leopard's main threat is poaching and habitat loss from farming. Native to China and Russia, the cat can endure frigid temperatures.

"She's a very pretty cat," Ricciardone said. "She moves around very fast."

For Gregg Cosgrove and his two toddlers, it's an exhibit they plan to visit often.

"Leopards are big because of their spots---a big favorite in our house," Cosgrove said.

In the next couple of years, the zoo is hoping to breed Sofiya through artificial insemination to increase the numbers for the species.

Sofiya was born at a St. Louis zoo and lived at two others before arriving in Baltimore.

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