Update on Amur Leopard Cat situation (September 4th)

Added on September 4, 2026

About Amur Leopard Cat that is unwell

Of the six Amur Leopard Cat cats that fell ill, we are continuing treatment for four, excluding the two that died. All of them have improved in condition compared to when they first fell ill and are almost fully recovered.

We are continuing our investigation into the cause of the illness.

Other information about Amur Leopard Cat cat

The three Amur Leopard Cat cats born this year (2026) show no abnormalities in their feeding or behavior, and their exhibit continues.

Furthermore, no abnormalities have been observed in the two Tsushima Leopard Cat being kept at Inokashira Park Zoo.

At Inokashira Park Zoo, since August 16, 2026, six of the nine Amur Leopard Cat cats (as of August 16, 2026) being kept in captivity have shown signs of poor health. Treatment and investigation into the cause have been ongoing, but two cats died on August 17th and 18th, one on each day.

We are currently continuing to treat Amur Leopard Cat and investigate the cause of the problem.

A dead Amur Leopard Cat

background

Inokashira Park Zoo cooperates with the Ministry of the Environment's Tsushima Leopard Cat conservation and breeding project, and has been raising Amur Leopard Cat cats, a subspecies of Tsushima leopard cat, since August 2000, working to improve breeding and rearing techniques. "Yuzuki" was born in 2014 at the zoo through artificial insemination, becoming the first Amur leopard cat to be born there.

On the morning of August 16, 2026, Yuzuki was found lying down and unable to stand, so we promptly took her to an animal hospital for treatment. She was recuperating at the animal hospital afterward, but we confirmed her death on the morning of August 17.

Furthermore, since August 16th, five other animals have shown similar symptoms, and we have continued treatment such as fluid replacement and medication administration, as well as investigating the cause, but Wataru died on August 18th.

Since neither of the two deceased animals showed signs of dehydration, it is unlikely that heat stress was the cause of death. We are currently conducting autopsies to determine the cause of death. Blood tests and pathological examinations are expected to take some time to yield results.

Further information will be announced on Inokashira Park Zoo official website and other platforms.