Three cubs of the endangered Persian leopard were born in late May at Nordens Ark in Hunnebostrand, Sweden, offering a boost to a species with fewer than 1,100 individuals remaining in the wild. The three, now seven weeks old as of July 8, represent the second litter for the breeding pair at the wildlife park, which has confirmed the arrivals.
The Persian leopard is classified as critically endangered, with populations fragmented across parts of the Middle East and Central Asia. Captive breeding programs remain a key tool in preserving genetic diversity for the species.