At the Saint Louis Zoo, twin Amur leopard cubs Irina and Anya are full of energy at just ten weeks old (9 weeks by the time of this video).
Born on April 21, 2022, these cheeky cubs have been entertaining zookeepers and visitors alike with their lively antics.
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For young cats like Irina and Anya, play is essential when growing up. Games like chasing, tag, and hide-and-seek are more than just fun—they help the cubs practice important skills they’ll need as adults, such as stalking, pouncing, and socializing.
Their mother, Dot, is a patient teacher. She lets her babies climb on her, teasing them with her tail and even sparring gently to help develop their instincts.
When she needs a rest, Dot uses her large paw to give them a “time out,” holding them down briefly before resuming the fun.
Between play sessions, the cubs spend time nursing and sleeping, which is crucial for their development.
Though they’ve started tasting meat, Irina and Anya still nurse regularly from Dot. They’ve also begun grooming themselves, a habit they’ve learned by watching their mother. These playful moments are a joy to witness and important for their growth.
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