We previously reported that on March 17, 2014, Amur Leopard Cat gave birth at Inokashira Park Zoo through the first artificial insemination in Japan. This time, we would like to provide an update on what happened afterward.

・ "Amur Leopard Cat gave birth through artificial insemination." (April 10, 2014)

Initially, two pregnancies were confirmed, but one was stillborn, and only one kitten was born. The kitten has been growing steadily ever since. Perhaps because it has the mother cat's two pairs of four nipples all to itself, the kitten, which was tiny at birth, less than 15 centimeters long, grew to over 20 centimeters by the end of March, and then to over 25 centimeters by April 17th, a month later.

During this time, the fluffy, ball-like body first developed distinct stripes on its head, and then gradually, spots appeared on its body as well.
Also, around two weeks after birth, their eyelids began to open slightly, and now you can see their adorable faces with their eyes fully open.

On the other hand, the mother Mizuki is a relatively docile individual, but she has a very strong affection for her offspring. She diligently cares for her child, spending even a short time playing with the more active baby and grooming it. In addition, she shows her desperate efforts to protect her child by threatening the zookeepers, who should be used to her, when they come in to feed it.

Actually, as of the time of writing this, no one has actually seen the chicks. We are observing them entirely through monitors using footage from a night vision camera installed on top of the nest box. Therefore, we don't even know the chicks' sex yet. We are also eager to find out their sex and weight, but we have to be patient until they are 60 days old and have received their first vaccinations.

Therefore, in order to allow everyone to see how they grow day by day, we have started broadcasting real-time footage on a large monitor in front of Tsushima Leopard Cat cat exhibit facility.

It will take a little more time before we can make it public, but in the meantime, we hope you will watch the baby wildcat grow through the monitor footage.

Please note that the planned opening is to the Wildcat Enclosure No. 1, which was renovated and improved at the end of fiscal year 2013. This enclosure is equipped with an exercise tower and catwalks for the wildcats, so we hope you will look forward to seeing the cubs playing around.

Top photo: A mother and cub Amur Leopard Cat cat, recently born, as seen on a monitor.
Photo: Recent images of children as seen on a monitor
Photo below: The renovated wildcat enclosure No. 1.

[Inokashira Park Zoo]

(April 25, 2014)