The birth is significant for conservation efforts, as breeding helps maintain genetic diversity in the critically endangered species.Image: Annika Sorjonen / Korkeasaari ZooYle News3.9. 14:50Two Amur leopard cubs were born at Korkeasaari Zoo in Helsinki, marking a significant step in efforts to conserve the critically endangered species.The cubs, a male and a female, are now five weeks old and weigh around 2.5 kilograms each. Three were born at the end of July, but only two survived.The cubs are expected to start venturing outside the den at around two months old.They have also had their first health check, with zoo staff and veterinarians weighing and deworming them and fitting them with identification microchips.Pictured is the cubs’ mother, Yoymi. Their father, Timba, does not take part in raising them. Image: Annika Sorjonen / HögholmenSuccessful breeding after five-year searchKorkeasaari Zoo has spent five years looking for a suitable breeding partner for its male Amur leopard through a European conservation programme.The first potential partner did not get along with the male, while the second was too old. The third female proved to be a successful match."This pair hit it off from the very first moment they were introduced," zookeeper Jonne Stenroth said in a press release.The cubs are particularly important for conservation because their father, Timba, carries a rare genetic lineage originating from a wild-born Amur leopard. Timba was transferred to Korkeasaari Zoo from Moscow Zoo in 2021.Only around 130 Amur leopards are estimated to remain in the wild. They live in Russia’s Far East and northeastern China and face threats including habitat loss, poaching and disease.Korkeasaari Zoo has supported Amur leopard conservation in the wild for more than 20 years.Plans to reintroduce zoo-bred Amur leopards into protected areas in Russia are currently on hold because of the geopolitical situation. Conservation projects are continuing in China.