Pair of endangered leopard cubs born at UK zoo

One of the most endangered species of big cat has given birth to two cubs at a zoo in England.

There are thought to be just 70 Amur leopards in the wild, with 200 living in captivity across the world.

Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire, where the new arrivals were born, said their birth could help ensure the long-term survival of the species.

The cubs were born five weeks ago to parents Kristen and Davidoff and have already made a public appearance, although their sex is not yet known.

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."

The cubs will stay at Twycross for at least 18 months before being transferred to another zoo to go on and have cubs of their own.

Amur leopards are native to forests in the far east of Russia and can live for up to 20 years.Their numbers have been dwindling in the wild due to illegal poaching for their fur, as well as the loss of natural habitat and diseases.

The cubs are the second set of arrivals for Kristen and Davidoff, after the births of Arina and Alexei in 2014.