Emerald Park Celebrates Arrival of Rare Amur Leopard Ireland’s Only Big Cat of Its Kind!
- Danny Joyce | Editor
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Emerald Park is thrilled to announce the arrival of Manchurian, a 13-year-old male Amur Leopard, marking a major leap forward for big cat conservation in Ireland. As one of the world’s rarest big cats with fewer than 120 individuals remaining in the wild this magnificent newcomer joins Emerald Park’s resident Amur Leopard, Freya, becoming the only breeding pair of Amur Leopards in Ireland.
Manchurian’s arrival is part of a critical global breeding programme aimed at safeguarding the future of this endangered species (Panthera pardus orientalis). Being entrusted with a breeding pair is a monumental achievement for the Emerald Park Zoo team, underpinning their unwavering dedication, expertise, and the exceptional standards of care.
“This is a truly proud moment for Emerald Park,” said Lee Donohue, Zoo Manager at Emerald Park. “Being selected to house a breeding pair of Amur Leopards is not just an honour it’s a testament to the hard work and commitment of our incredible team. We are now home to the only Amur Leopards in Ireland, and we are excited to play a key role in global conservation efforts.”
The Emerald Park Zoo has a longstanding commitment to wild cat conservation with €77,500 already donated to the Wild Cats Conservation Alliance (WCA). These vital funds support projects that protect both Amur Leopards and Tigers in their natural habitats.
Emerald Park’s journey from a small zoo in 2010 is now home to over 250 diverse animals and is a fully accredited member of BIAZA and EAZA which reflects the dedication of its zookeepers, many of whom hold specialist certifications.
The excitement doesn’t stop with the arrival of Manchurian, Emerald Park is also thrilled to announce the return of ‘Love Your Zoo Week’ with fun activities taking place across the weekend of May 31st and June 1st.
‘Love Your Zoo Week’ is an annual campaign established by BIAZA (Britain and Ireland’s association of zoos and aquariums) to promote the organisation and educate the public on zoos, aquariums and wildlife centre. This year’s theme, Allies for Wildlife, shines a spotlight on the powerful partnerships that underpin global conservation efforts, showcasing how zoos and aquariums work together to protect endangered species around the world.
Visitors of all ages to the Emerald Park Zoo are invited to dive into a packed schedule of fun activities designed to inspire and educate including;
Wildlife Ally Workshops: Learn how to make bird boxes, feeders, and wildlife-friendly garden spaces.
Interactive Zoo Tours: Join expert-led tours at 12:30, 14:00, and 15:30 daily and discover all the fun at the Emerald Park Zoo.
Zoo Talks & Enrichment: Enjoy themed animal enrichment sessions and meet the Emerald Park Zoo team.
Pollinator Monitoring: Join the zoo team in tracking local pollinator species as part of conservation efforts.
With other roaming activities across the Emerald Park Zoo to enjoy, don’t forget to stop by the ‘World of Raptors’ arena. Feel the whizz of wind as an eagle flies past, enjoy aerial displays featuring the world’s largest eagles and fastest falcons, impressive vultures and iconic owls, and have the opportunity to meet and greet the Emerald Park World of Raptors team.
Get up close and personal at the ‘Lemur Woods’ walk-through enclosure which has been a firm favourite in the park since it opened. Check out out tigers, monkey’s, bush dogs to name a few of the 250 diverse animals all before enjoying 40 thrill seeking rides and attractions!
In addition to Love Your Zoo Week and the exciting new arrival at Emerald Park, the theme park and zoo are also thrilled to announce its first TV campaign in partnership with its official Sustainable Energy Partner, Flogas. The campaign celebrates the collaboration by showcasing how Flogas helps power everything from fun rides and attractions to rollercoasters big and small with energy, including renewable sources such as solar and electric vehicle car charging.
As part of the promotion, renewing Flogas residential customers and customers who switch to Flogas on Flogas.ie will receive two FREE Emerald Park All Access tickets!
For more information and to book tickets visit www.EmeraldPark.ie
Slán go fóill.
