RIYADH: The Saudi Royal Commission for AlUla announced the birth of a rare litter of three Arabian leopard cubs on Wednesday as part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to protect endangered species.
The triplets, two males and one female, were born at RCU’s Arabian Leopard Breeding Center this summer, which is sponsored by the Arabian Leopard Fund.
This is the third documented birth of the Arabian leopard in 30 years, and the first in Saudi captivity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The RCU’s breeding center has been at the forefront of preserving this critically endangered species of big cats.
One of the center’s missions is to protect and safeguard 30 percent of land and sea habitats for species as part of the Saudi Green Initiative.
The mother of the Arabian leopard triplets, Ward, is six years old, and their father, Baher, is 13.
Baher was brought to RCU’s center in December 2023 as part of a regional exchange program to enhance the genetic diversity of the Arabian leopard breed.
The triplets were vaccinated and underwent medical examinations to determine their gender, SPA reported.
Experts at the RCU’s center said that the two males were showing active behaviors through playing and climbing rocks, while the female appeared calmer and attached to the mother.
The three of them are expected to stay together with their mother for 18 months.
The RCU’s breeding center is currently sponsoring the care of 32 leopards.
In 2024, the center saw the birth of five leopards, following seven births in 2023.
