One of the most endangered species of big cat has given birth to two cubs. It is believed there are only 70 Amur leopards in the wild, with Twycross Zoo saying the new arrivals could help ensure the long-term survival of the species. The birth of the cubs five weeks ago to parents Kristen and Davidoff was captured on camera - with the cubs already making an appearance in public at the Leicestershire zoo. Director of life sciences Dr Charlotte Macdonald said: "Amur leopards are so precious - there are so few left in the world. "Every birth in captivity is really important, so to have two born this year is fantastic news both for us and the global population." When the zoo discovered Kristen was pregnant, CCTV cameras were set up in her den to keep an eye on her until both she and the cubs were ready to venture out. Dr Macdonald said: "Seeing them on camera, that first morning coming in and checking the CCTV footage and seeing that she had given birth during the night was just amazing: that's why we're here. "We work very hard and this is what it's all about - that we can breed critically endargered animals that will in the future contribute to ensuring that this species survives...
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