Colorado Springs – The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announced that its newest resident, a critically endangered Amur leopard cub born in May, has been given the name Sila. Zoo officials said the name, which means “strength” in Russian, was chosen to honor the animal’s native habitat in the Russian Far East.

Family naming process

Donors to the zoo participated in selecting the name shortly after the cub’s birth. The chosen name reflects both the animal’s heritage and the zoo’s commitment to conservation education.

Mother and cub bonding

Since receiving her name, Sila has been seen venturing outdoors with her mother, Anya. The pair spend much of their time playing and tumbling together, offering visitors a rare glimpse of natural leopard behavior.

Conservation significance

Amur leopards are among the world’s rarest big cats, with estimates of only about 100 individuals remaining in the wild across far‑east Russia and China. The birth of Sila at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo marks an important contribution to the species’ captive‑breeding program, which aims to preserve genetic diversity and raise public awareness of the leopard’s precarious status.

Zoo spokesperson John Doe said, “Every birth of an Amur leopard is a cause for celebration. Naming Sila helps us connect the community to the urgent need for conservation efforts both here and abroad.”

Visitors can view Sila and Anya during regular zoo hours. The zoo encourages guests to support ongoing conservation initiatives through donations and educational programs.

For more information about the Amur leopard program or to schedule a visit, please contact the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.