SANFORD, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2025) – The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is roaring with excitement with the opening of its new, expanded Amur leopard habitat.
Zoo visitors may have noticed the transformation to the Amur leopard habitat over the past several months, with the addition of a new paved path that leads behind the African porcupine habitat. This path offers guests a closer experience with Amur leopards— Temur and Jilin.
The exhibit is designed as a split habitat, allowing the two Amur leopards to remain housed apart, as they are solitary in nature, while still giving guests the opportunity to observe one of the rarest leopards in the world. In addition, the expansion provides a lot of dynamic vertical space, giving Temur and Jilin ample room to climb and explore.
“We are incredibly proud of the expansion to the Amur leopard habitat,” said CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. “Our commitment to conservation is at the heart of everything we do, and this new habitat is a testament to that dedication.”
Amur leopards are the most critically endangered big cat, with fewer than 70 believed to remain in their natural habitat near the China-Russia border, and one of just ten subspecies of leopard. In human care, there are around 200 individuals, and worldwide conservation efforts are in effect to restore the population to a healthy, stable level.
“Zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, like the Central Florida Zoo, are crucial for the survival of species like the Amur leopard,” said Chris Torge, Director of Animal Operations. “This allows us to provide a safe environment where these animals can thrive while also contributing to important research and conservation efforts that support their wild counterparts.”
Guests are invited to visit the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens to see the Amur leopards in their new habitat and learn more about the Zoo’s conservation efforts.
The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
