Our Crew
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Marta
- Born August 6, 2021 at the Santa Barbara Zoo to parents Ajax and Kasha
- Weighed in at 1.1 lbs at her first medical exam
- At one-and-a-half, Marta has reached the age when she would separate from her mother to live a solitary life in the wild
- The Amurs are most likely not out in the habitat at the same time right now
Ajax
- Born May 2014 at Marwell Zoo in Hampshire, England
- Arrived at Santa Barbara Zoo in August 2016 to help diversify the gene pool of Amur leopards in North America
- Is a climber – loves to be up high, hanging out on ledges and rock wall
- Has a round face with an upside-down “v” between her eyes, and only one large spot between the large dark marks above her eyes
- Gave birth to cub Marta on August 6, 2021
Watch the Amur leopards live on Zoolife!
When you sign up for Zoolife, 80% of the proceeds directly fund the Santa Barbara Zoo’s animal care and conservation efforts.
Conservation Status
Only around 50 Amur leopards are estimated to remain in the wild, in a small area between Vladivostok, Russia, and the Chinese border, along with a few scattered individuals in China.
Approximately 200 Amur leopards are in captivity, primarily in zoos in North America, Europe, and former Soviet Union countries.
But there’s good news: Russia’s Ministry of Natural Resources has approved a reintroduction program in a preserve in the southeastern tip of Russia. Pairs of breeding Amur leopards from zoos will be relocated to Russia, and hopes are that the wild population will increase in the next 20 years.
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Species Survival Plans
The Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the 220+ accredited zoos and aquariums that participate in Species Survival Plans (SSP), a cooperatively managed program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). More than 200 different species are managed through SSPs, aimed at maintaining genetic diversity within AZA populations, sustaining these populations, and guarding against extinction.
Wildlife Experiences
Meet the Animals
Have you always wanted to get just a little bit closer to the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo? Well, you can! Take a look at our animal encounters, and choose the best option for you and/or your family.