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Cleveland Metroparks Zoo welcomes rare leopard cub

Sam Allard

Inside a wooden nest box at the zoo, a large spotted leopard lounges on straw with a cub nearby; sunlight highlights the hay as enclosure walls frame the scene. — Screenshot: Cleveland Metroparks

One of the world's most endangered big cats has a new member in Cleveland.

State of play: An Amur leopard cub was born July 1 at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo — the first birth of the species in the zoo's 144-year history and the first at any Ohio zoo.

Why it matters: Fewer than 100 Amur leopards are believed to remain in the wild, according to the Metroparks, making every birth an important boost to the species' survival.

The latest: The cub has been bonding behind the scenes with first-time mom Marta and won't be visible to the public for several weeks.

What's next: The zoo plans to hold a public naming contest, with proceeds supporting Amur leopard conservation efforts.

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Cleveland Metroparks Zoo welcomes rare leopard cub

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