A rare black leopard cub was born near Kyiv
A Far Eastern leopard cub with a rare black coat—known as melanism—was born at the "XII Months" Zoo near Kyiv. The female cub, named Hera, was born on August 20, 2025, but the zoo only announced her birth after she had survived the most dangerous first months of her life.
According to zoo director Mykhailo Pinchuk, the black coloration is caused by a recessive gene that may not manifest for generations, so the birth of such a leopard cub came as a surprise.
Hera’s first weeks of life were difficult: she was diagnosed with a bacterial infection, which meant the cub had to be temporarily separated from her mother for treatment. Now the leopard cub is active, developing well, playing, and showing hunting instincts.
The zoo notes that black Far Eastern leopards are virtually nonexistent in the wild, as this coloration makes them highly visible in snowy environments.
Despite the war and the difficult financial situation, the park continues to operate. Visitors remain the main source of income, and the primary goal is to preserve the animals and weather this difficult period.
Visitors will be able to see Hera starting in early April.
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